Fever in Children: When to Worry

Most fevers are the body fighting an infection.

• Give paracetamol by weight, not by age.
• Keep the child drinking — ORS helps if there is diarrhoea.
• See a doctor if the fever lasts more than 3 days.
• Go at once for fits, a stiff neck or a rash that does not fade.

When in doubt, call a doctor.