What it is
A fever is when the body’s temperature is higher than normal. This often happens when you are sick or your body is fighting an infection.
What you can do at home
What to do
- Have your child drink frequently unless a healthcare professional has told you otherwise.
- Feed them foods they can manage to eat when they are hungry.
- Make sure your child is comfortable:
- Dress or cover your child so that they neither too hot nor too cold.
- Adjust their covers or clothing as needed.
- Keep the room at a comfortable temperature.
- Follow the advice from your pharmacy.
- You can give them acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) if there are no contraindications. Note: Ibuprofen should not be given to children under 6 months of age.
- Do not give both medications at the same time.
- Take note of your child’s symptoms and temperature. This information will be helpful if you call 811, Option 1, to speak with a nurse or you contact a healthcare professional.
Avoid
- Do not give both medications at the same time.
- Do not rub them with alcohol, apply ice, or give them cold baths or showers.
- Don’t wrap them up too much or leave them too exposed, to avoid shivering.
When to seek medical attention
If your child have any of these signs:
- your child has a fever and their temperature is not going down, even though you are giving them medication;
- your child has a tummy ache or vomits;
- a rash, blotches, or redness appears on their skin;
- you and your child have recently returned from a country for which the Government of Canada has posted health advisories. See travel.gc.ca/.
Call 811, Option 1, to speak with a nurse, or contact a healthcare professional (pharmacist, doctor, or nurse practitioner), if any of the signs listed above apply.
When to go to the hospital right away
Your child:
- is difficult to wake or is unusually sleepy;
- is slow to react;
- seems agitated or confused;
- is behaving unusually;
Your child has a stiff neck.
If your child is less than 3 months old and their rectal temperature is:
- over 38 °C or under 36 °C;
If your child received a vaccination and their rectal temperature is:
- over 38 °C for more than 4 hours;
- over 40 °C;
Your child is having convulsions (shaking).
Your child is shivering intensely for over an hour, even if you try to warm them.
If your child is showing signs of being dehydrated:
- very dry mouth;
- very little or no pee, even if you give them something to drink.
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 https://gap.soinsvirtuels.gouv.qc.ca/en or call 811, Option 3.
Last update: December 13, 2025
The information sheet does not replace medical advice. If you have any doubts, contact a healthcare professional.
References:
- Guides infirmiers d’éducation aux autosoins, CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale
- Quoi faire avec mon problème de santé, CIUSSS de l’Est-de-l’Île-de-Montréal
See also
See the details of Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis
- Infants
- Children
- Adults
- Seniors
See the details of Superficial Wound
Superficial Wound
- Infants
- Children
- Adults
- Seniors