Fever in children under 5 years

• Offer them simple food and regular drinks. If your baby is breastfed, continue breast feeding
• If they are vomiting, offer small frequent drinks as this is more likely to stay down
• Do not try to control your child’s temperature with tepid sponging or fans
• Keep an eye on your child day and night and follow the guidance overleaf
• If a rash appears do 'the Glass Test' (see guidance below)
• Fever is common in babies up to 48 hours after receiving immunisations - consider giving regular paracetamol. If your child is due their vaccinations, postpone until after their fever has improved
• If you need to keep your child away from nursery or school while they are unwell and have a fever please notify the nursery or school

• Consider giving paracetamol or ibuprofen for comfort
• Use one and if your child has not improved 2-3 hours later you may want to try giving the other medicine
• Carefully read the instructions on the medicine for dose and frequency.  Although both are very safe when used correctly, they may be harmful if too large a dose is given, or if given too often
• You could ask your local pharmacist for more advice about medicines
• In general, we do not recommend cough medicines

Advice for parents and carers of children younger than 5 years

If your child has any of the following: Becomes pale, mottled and feels abnormally cold to touch Is going blue around the lips Severe breathing difficulty - too breathless to talk / eat or drink Has a fit / seizure Becomes extremely agitated (crying inconsolably despite distraction), confused or very lethargic (difficult to wake) Develops a rash that does not disappear with pressure (see 'The Glass Test’ above) Is under 3 months of age with a temperature of 38°C / 100.4°F or above (unless within 48 hours of vaccinations)

You need urgent help. Go to the nearest Hospital Emergency Department or phone 999

If your child has any of the following: Is finding it hard to breath Seems dehydrated (sunken eyes, drowsy or no urine passed for 12 hours) Is becoming drowsy (excessively sleepy) or irritable (unable to settle them with toys, TV, food or picking up) – especially if they remain drowsy or irritable despite their fever coming down Has extreme shivering or complains of muscle pain Is 3-6 months of age with a temperature of 39°C / 102.2°F or above (but fever is common in babies up to 2 days after they receive vaccinations) Continues to have a fever of 38.0°C or above for more than 5 days Seems to be getting worse or if you are worried

You need to contact a doctor or nurse today. Please ring your GP surgery or call NHS 111 - dial 111

If none of the above features are present Continue providing your child’s care at home.	Self care Continue providing your child’s care at home. If you are still concerned about your child, call NHS 111 – dial 111

Content adapted with permission from the what0-18.nhs.uk resource produced by the Healthier Together initiative