The normal body temperature varies between about 36ºC and
37.4ºC. Different people may have slightly different normal
temperatures, and each person’s normal body temperature
will vary a little at different times of the day (up to 1ºC).
Fever is when the temperature of the body rises above normal,
generally above 38 degrees when the temperature is taken under
the arm or in the mouth.
What causes a fever?
Fever is one of the ways that the body fights an infection.
In children, most fevers are caused by viral infections. Most
of these infections are not serious, even if the temperature
is high for a short time (eg. over 40ºC). Some fevers are
caused by bacterial infections, such as ear infections and
tonsillitis, and sometimes children will become well more
quickly if they have antibiotics for specific infections.
It is common for young children to have many mild infections
which cause fevers – often 5 to 10 viral infections
each year. This is just a part of growing up and building
our immune systems.
How to take a child’s temperature
• Under the arms (axillary temperature) – this
can be used for all children, and is the safest way for young
children. Place the thermometer high in the armpit and then
place the arm down by the child’s side. Read the thermometer
after 3 minutes, or follow the instructions that come with
an electronic thermometer.
• Mouth (oral temperature) – this can be used
for many children over 5 years old, but for some, who can’t
sit still for three minutes, it would still be best to take
the tempera ture under the arm. Place the thermometer as far
under the ongue as possible and get the child to keep his
mouth closed around the thermometer. Read after 3 minutes
(Do not take a child’s temperature this way if the child
has recently had a cold drink or warm one).
• Ear (tympanic temperature) – a special ear thermometer
can be used, but this method has been found not to be as accurate
as the under-arm or oral methods. These ther mometers are
expensive and they do not appear to be as reliable as simpler
thermometers.
When to see your health advisor or doctor Children with fevers
are usually quieter and less active than usual. This is normal,
you should see your doctor if your child:
• has a high fever, for example over 40º or if the fever
does not settle when you have given your child paracetamol.
• is becoming more unwell and /or more difficult to
wake up
• has a rash or pale or blotchy skin
• is vomiting and has diarrhea more than a couple of
times
• will not drink
• has cold hands and feet despite have a fever
• Has pain.
• All babies under 12 months old with fever should be
seen by a doctor.
What to do
A fever by itself can cause a child or older person to feel
unwell and tired and to have a headache. A fever by itself
does not cause a health problem (the ‘problem’
is whatever has caused the fever).
The main thing you can do for fever is to help your child
feel better by comforting, holding, cuddling and soothing
you child.
• Cover the child in light clothing. (Not synthetic
blankets, hats, mittens and booties!)
• Extra drinks are needed. Give extra breast feeds,
water or diluted fruit juice.
• Tepid sponging or cool baths are not really effective.
• Paracetamol or acetamenophine is often suggested if
the fever is high (over 38.5ºC to 39ºC). This does not deal
with the cause of the fever, but can help the child feel better
and may bring the temperature down. Use the recom mended dose
for the brand of that you have. Paracetamol can be given every
4 hours, and no more than 5 times a day. Make sure your child
gets plenty to drink while taking these medications.
NOTE: Never give aspirin to a child under the age of 16 years.
It can cause a rare but very serious illness called Reye’s
Syndrome.
Febrile Convulsions or fits
Some children under the age of 6 years have convulsions (fits)
with high fevers. This is usually due to the temperature rising
quickly, not the actual temperature that is reached. These
are frightening to watch, but generally do not harm the child.
It is important to have your child seen by a doctor to find
out what has caused the fever.
“Kim Patra is a qualified Registered Nurse and Midwife
that has been living and working in Bali for almost twenty
years. She now runs her own private practice and medical referral
service from her Kuta office. Kim is happy to discuss any
health concerns with you and she may be contacted via e-mail
at info@chcbali.com or Hp. 081 2366 0000”.
