Fever Fears: When to call the Doctor

These questions have gone through the mind of every parent at some point!

At National Home Doctor Service, we know how important it is for parents to have all the information needed to make the right decisions about common illnesses. Here are some tips on how to treat fever in children and when to call the doctor.

How can I keep my child comfortable when they have a fever?

• A 15-minute bath in lukewarm water may help bring your child’s fever down. Make sure the water doesn’t get cold and take them out if they start to shiver
• Dress your child lightly. Infants, especially newborns, may get fevers if they’re over bundled or in a hot environment because they don’t regulate their body temperature as well as older kids
• Keep their liquids up. You may want to breastfeed or provide them with an oral rehydration drink
• Children’s Panadol may help reduce your child’s fever too check the dosage and age guidelines before treating

It’s time to call the doctor if:

• Your infant is younger than three months of age and develops a fever often in babies, fevers are a response to a potentially serious illness
• Your child’s fever lasts more than five days there may be underlying causes which should be investigated
• Your child’s fever is higher than 40 C (normal body temperature is 37 C)
• Your child is not acting him or herself, is difficult to wake, or is not taking in enough liquids
• Your child was recently immunised and has a temperature above 40 C or a fever for more than 24 hours
• You are concerned! A parent’s gut instinct is usually right.  If you’re uncomfortable with your child’s temperature, call your doctor to discuss it

How can we help?

National Home Doctor Service is a bulk-billing, after hours, doctor home visiting service.  We are available for home visits from 6pm weeknights, 12 noon on Saturdays, all day Sundays and public holidays.  Our doctors carry complimentary starter packs of many commonly prescribed medications for fevers and infections, so patients can start treatment right away. We also provide a report of each visit to your GP immediately after treatment to ensure follow up and continuity of care.