Fever

Age, reading, and method‍

< 3 months > 38 °C (rectal measurement)

3-12 months > 38.5 °C (rectal measurement)

> 12 months > 38.5 °C (ear measurement)

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Fever is not dangerous for the body. It is not strictly necessary to reduce a fever.

However, children with a high fever may appear very ill (lethargic), feel very unwell, and stop drinking well. For the child's comfort and to make it easier to assess their condition, it is recommended to reduce the fever in these cases.

If your child is doing well despite a high fever and you as parents are not overly concerned, you do not necessarily need to give medication.

Ibuprofen (Algifor) is an effective fever reducer and pain reliever with anti-inflammatory properties. It can be given from 6 months of age and is well-tolerated by most children in liquid suspension form.

Paracetamol (Dafalgan, Becetamol, Ben-u-ron) is somewhat less effective as a fever reducer and pain reliever. When administered as a suppository, the active ingredient is sometimes absorbed by the body poorly, slowly, and inconsistently. If a child has a high fever or severe pain and needs immediate relief, oral administration (suspension, drops, tablets) should be preferred.

A fever that is difficult to reduce does not automatically mean that the illness is serious. Many common viral infections can cause persistent fever.

However, if you as parents have a bad feeling, you must have your child evaluated by a doctor!

Elevated temperature (> 37.9°C) in the first 3 months of life: see a pediatrician!

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