A high temperature is a healthy bodily response where your body temperature rises in order to try and fight an infection. This can be caused by a variety of bacterial or viral infections. So, it’s important to familiarise yourself with some common symptoms of possible infections that could cause your child to develop a high temperature.
What is a fever?
A fever is when someone has a persistent high temperature above 37°C (98.6°F). This is normally caused by a bacterial or viral infection and is often associated with a sore throat, earache, measles, meningitis or chickenpox. If a young child’s temperature rises above 39°C (102. 2°F) this can be dangerous and might trigger a seizure.
Signs and symptoms:
- A persistently high temperature – above 37°C (98.6°F).
- Feeling cold, with goose pimples, shivering and chattering teeth.
Later they may have:
- Hot, flushed skin and sweating.
- Headache.
- General aches and pains.
What to do:
- If someone has a fever, help make them comfortable and keep them cool, ideally in bed with a sheet or light duvet.
- Do not use a sponge to cool them as there is a risk of overcooling.
- Give them plenty of cool drinks to replace any fluid loss through sweating.
- If they’re feeling unwell, you can give them the recommended dose of paracetamol tablets for an adult, or the recommended dose of paracetamol syrup for a child.
- Do not give aspirin to anyone under the age of 16.
- Monitor their level of response until they recover.
- If you are worried, seek medical advice.
What is chickenpox?
Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Someone with chickenpox will usually have a high temperature and an itchy rash with red blisters. It’s a common disease that mostly affects children.
Signs and symptoms:
- Red spots that can appear anywhere on the body that become itchy, fluid-filled blisters, which may burst and scab over.
- A high temperature above 37°C (98.6°F).
- General aches and pains.
- Loss of appetite.
What to do:
- If someone has chickenpox, make sure they’re comfortable.
- Give them plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
- If it’s a child suffering from chickenpox, you could give them an ice lolly to suck.
- You can give them the recommended dose of paracetamol for an adult or the recommended dose of paracetamol syrup for a child.
- Do not give aspirin to anyone under the age of 16.
- Monitor their level of response until they recover.
If the blisters are very itchy, ask a pharmacist for advice about creams and antihistamines that can help.
To prevent the chickenpox sufferer from itching, you can:
- Trim their fingernails.
- Put socks on their hands at night.
- Dress them in loose clothing.
- Seek medical advice, if:
- The blisters appear to be infected.
- You’re worried that they’re getting worse.
What is scarlet fever?
Scarlet fever is an infection that causes a blotchy, pink-red rash. It’s most common in young children but can affect people of any age. Scarlet fever used to be very dangerous, but is now easily treatable with antibiotics from your GP. Once someone’s had it, they are unlikely to get it again.
Signs and symptoms:
- A sore throat.
- Headache.
- High temperature.
- Swollen neck glands.
As the fever develops, they may have:
- A rash on the body.
- A red face.
- A white or red tongue.
What to do:
If your baby develops any of the above symptoms seek medical advice straight away.
What is slapped cheek?
Slapped cheek is a viral infection that’s common in children but usually goes away within 3 weeks without treatment. It’s rare in adults but can be more serious.
Signs and symptoms:
- A high temperature.
- A runny nose and sore throat.
- A headache.
After 1 to 3 days:
- A bright red rash may appear on both cheeks.
- A light-pink rash may appear over the body.
What to do:
- To prevent the virus spreading, wash your hands with soap and water. Make sure to use tissues when you cough or sneeze.
- Rest and drink lots of fluids to keep hydrated.
- If the slapped cheek’s sufferer has a high temperature, you can give them the recommended dose of paracetamol. Do not give aspirin to anyone under the age of 16.
- If the symptoms continue or get worse, seek medical advice.
- There is no need for the child to stay off school or nursery but make sure you inform the teacher.
These are just a few examples of infections that can cause a high temperature, for more information you can visit St John Ambulance’s website. Infections can spread easily (especially during winter), so it’s a good idea to be prepared with a few essentials like painkillers and a clinically validated thermometer. You can view our range (including our which? best buy awarded) thermometers here.