A child’s body temperature can rise as a way to fight viral infections like colds and flu. Fever can also be caused by teething, earache, sore throat, headache and immunisations.
Most children’s normal body temperature hovers around 37°C. Body temperatures of over 38°C (if measured in the mouth) or 37.5°C (in the ear) are considered a fever.
How to measure a fever
An ear thermometer is quick, accurate, will give you a reading in seconds, and is the best type of thermometer to use with young children. Digital thermometers used under the tongue also measure accurately after 2 - 3 minutes but may not be suitable for very young children if they have glass components. Armpit thermometers are another alternative. Your local Unichem or Life Pharmacy has a range of different thermometers and your Pharmacist can help you choose the best one.
What to look for
In addition to using an ear or mouth thermometer to check for a raised temperature, there are signs that your child could have a fever. Look for:
- Tears and irritability
- Loss of appetite
- A flushed face
- They’re not sleeping like normal
- They touch the body part that hurts (if an ear or throat infection is causing the fever)
