Fever in children: what to watch for overnight
Temperatures are frightening at 2am. The signs that mean call now, and the ones that can wait until morning.
Dr Sam Okafor
GP
A temperature at two in the morning is frightening. Most are caused by ordinary infections and settle within a few days. Some signs mean you should call now.
Call 999 or go to A&E if
Your child has a rash that does not fade when you press a glass on it, is unusually drowsy or hard to wake, has a fit, has trouble breathing, or is under three months old with a temperature over 38.
Call us in the morning if
The temperature has lasted more than three days, your child is drinking less than half of normal, or you are worried. We keep same-day slots for exactly this.
At home
Keep them drinking, dress them lightly, and give paracetamol or ibuprofen for comfort, not to chase the number. A child who is playing is usually fine.
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Sam looks after most of the clinic's families and runs the Thursday evening surgery.
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