Fever – Ages 0-11
What is it?
A fever is when the body temperature is higher than normal. It often happens when someone is sick or when the body is fighting an infection.
Related sheet available: Fever – Ages 12 and over
A child has a fever when their temperature reaches:
What you can do at home
What to do
- Let the child rest to help the body heal.
- Offer fluids frequently, unless a healthcare professional advises otherwise.
- Offer food according to the child’s appetite and what the child can eat.
- Keep the temperature in the home comfortable.
- Adjust blankets or clothing as needed to prevent the child from becoming too hot, too cold, or having chills.
- Keep track of symptoms and temperature. This information may be helpful when calling 811 or during a medical consultation.
To relieve fever
- Give acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).
- Acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be given alternately, while following the recommended dosing interval.
- When in doubt, ask a pharmacist for advice.
Important: Ibuprofen is contraindicated for children under 6 months of age.
What to avoid
- Rubbing alcohol on the skin.
- Applying ice.
- Cold showers or baths.
When to seek medical attention
The fever lasts for more than 72 hours (3 days) despite medication.
The fever returns after being gone for 24 hours.
A return within the past 12 weeks from a country where there are health risks, according to the
Need help?
Call Info-Santé at 811, Option 1, to speak with a nurse at any time.
Go to the pharmacy for advice on medications or treatment.
Make an appointment at your medical clinic or CLSC.
If you do not have a family doctor, go to gap.soinsvirtuels or call 811, Option 3.
When to go to the hospital right away
Unusual fatigue, difficulty staying awake or waking up, or excessive sleepiness
Little or no response to what is happening around the child
Confusion, agitation, or behavior that is unusual for the child
Fever accompanied by back or rib pain, nausea, or vomiting
Constant crying; the child cannot be consoled
Eating or drinking less, with difficulty carrying out usual activities
Stiff neck or neck pain
Seizures
Signs of dehydration:
- Very dry mouth.
- Little or no urine (pee) despite drinking plenty of fluids.
Difficulty breathing, especially if:
- The nostrils flare when the child breathes.
- The lips or fingers are blue or bluish (cyanosis).
- The child makes a high-pitched sound when breathing (stridor).
- The stomach or chest pulls inward with each breath (retractions).
After receiving a vaccine
- Rectal temperature above 38 °C (100.4 °F) for more than 4 hours.
- Rectal temperature above 40 °C (104 °F).
For babies under 3 months
- Underarm temperature of 37.5 °C (99.5 °F) or higher.
- Rectal temperature of 38 °C (100.4 °F) or higher.
- Rectal temperature of 36 °C (96.8 °F) or lower.