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High temperature (fever) in children

A high temperature in children is common and often caused by infection. Most fevers are mild, but young babies and persistent or severe symptoms need medical advice.

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5.0 (198)
Doctor

Taisiia Proida

Family medicine 7 years exp.

Taisiia Proida is a general practitioner with a specialization in mental health and a cognitive behavioral therapist (CBT), a member of the European Psychiatric Association. She offers online consultations for adults aged 18 and over, combining evidence-based medicine with an individualised approach to mental health care. She specialises in consultations and ongoing support for a wide range of mental health concerns, including: 

  • Mood disorders: depression, bipolar disorder, postpartum depression.
  • Anxiety disorders: generalised anxiety, OCD, panic attacks, phobias.
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD.
  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Assessment is provided only after an initial psychiatric evaluation and during a follow-up appointment.
  • Personality disorders and emotional instability.
  • Cyclothymia and mood fluctuations.
  • Schizophrenia spectrum and related conditions.

Dr. Proida combines clinical expertise with an empathetic approach, offering structured support based on evidence-based practices. Her work integrates CBT techniques with medical management, with a focus on anxiety and depressive disorders. She works with clients from different countries and cultural backgrounds, adapting her communication style and recommendations to individual needs. With experience in international clinical trials (Pfizer, Merck), she values clarity, trust, and collaborative partnership in patient care.

This page provides general information and does not replace a doctor’s consultation. If symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, seek medical advice promptly.

A high temperature (fever) is very common in young children. The temperature usually returns to normal within 1 to 4 days.

Checking a high temperature

A normal temperature in babies and children can vary slightly from child to child.

A high temperature is 38C or more.

If your child has a high temperature, they might:

  • feel hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest
  • feel sweaty
  • look or feel unwell
  • have a seizure or fit, called a febrile seizure

Use a digital thermometer, which you can buy from pharmacies and supermarkets, to take your child's temperature.

How to take your child's temperature

  1. Place the thermometer inside the top of the armpit.
  2. Gently close the arm over the thermometer and keep it pressed to the side of the body.
  3. Leave the thermometer in place for as long as it says in the instruction leaflet. Some digital thermometers beep when they're ready.
  4. Remove the thermometer. The display will show your child's temperature.

If your child has just had a bath or been wrapped in a blanket, their temperature may be higher for a short time. Wait a few minutes then try again.

What to do if your child has a high temperature

If your child or baby has a high temperature, you can usually look after them at home. The temperature should go down over 1 to 4 days.

 Do 

  • give them plenty of fluids – if your baby is breastfed, continue to breastfeed as normal
  • look out for signs of dehydration
  • give them food if they want it
  • check on your child regularly, including during the night
  • keep them at home
  • give them either paracetamol or ibuprofen if they're distressed or uncomfortable – check the packaging or leaflet to make sure the medicine is suitable for your child, or speak to a pharmacist or GP if you're not sure
  • get medical advice if you're worried about your child, or if the paracetamol or ibuprofen is not helping

 Don’t 

  • do not undress your child or sponge them down to cool them – a high temperature is a natural and healthy response to infection
  • do not cover them up in too many clothes or bedclothes
  • do not give aspirin to children under 16 years of age
  • do not alternate ibuprofen and paracetamol, unless a health professional such as a doctor or nurse tells you to
  • do not give paracetamol to a child under 2 months
  • do not give ibuprofen to a child who is under 3 months, weighs under 5kg, has chickenpox, or is dehydrated
  • do not give ibuprofen to children with asthma unless it's been recommended by a doctor

Read more about giving medicines to babies and children

 Call 112 or your GP surgery now if your child: 

  • is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 38C or higher, or you think they have a high temperature
  • is 3 to 6 months old and has a temperature of 39C or higher, or you think they have a high temperature
  • has other signs of illness, such as a rash, as well as a high temperature
  • has a high temperature that's lasted for 5 days or more
  • does not want to eat, or is not their usual self and you're worried
  • is dehydrated – such as nappies that are not very wet, sunken eyes, and no tears when they're crying

 Call 112 if your child: 

  • has a stiff neck
  • has a rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it
  • is bothered by light
  • has a fit (febrile seizure) for the first time (they cannot stop shaking)
  • has unusually cold hands and feet
  • has changes to their skin colour such as blue, grey, paler than usual or blotchy skin (this may be harder to see on brown or black skin), or blue, grey or paler than usual lips or tongue
  • is drowsy and hard to wake
  • is extremely agitated (does not stop crying) or is confused
  • has difficulty breathing (you may notice grunting noises or their stomach sucking under their ribcage), breathlessness or breathing very fast
  • is not responding like they normally do, or is not interested in feeding or normal activities

Causes of a high temperature in children

A high temperature is the body's natural response to fighting infections like coughs and colds.

Many things can cause a high temperature in children, from common childhood illnesses like chickenpox and tonsillitis, to vaccinations.

Consult with a doctor about High temperature (fever) in children

Consult with a doctor about High temperature (fever) in children

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps with a doctor online.

Online doctors for High temperature (fever) in children

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps for High temperature (fever) in children with a doctor online.

5.0 (86)
Doctor

Lina Travkina

Family medicine 13 years exp.

Dr. Lina Travkina is a licensed family and preventive medicine doctor based in Italy. She provides online consultations for adults and children, supporting patients across all stages of care – from acute symptom management to long-term health monitoring and prevention.

Areas of medical care include:

  • Respiratory conditions: colds, flu, acute and chronic bronchitis, mild to moderate pneumonia, bronchial asthma.
  • ENT and eye conditions: sinusitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, otitis, infectious and allergic conjunctivitis.
  • Digestive issues: gastritis, acid reflux (GERD), IBS, dyspepsia, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, functional bowel symptoms, intestinal infections.
  • Urological and infectious diseases: acute and recurrent cystitis, bladder and kidney infections, prevention of recurrent UTIs, asymptomatic bacteriuria.
  • Chronic conditions: hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, metabolic syndrome, thyroid disorders, excess weight.
  • Neurological and general symptoms: headache, migraine, dizziness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, reduced concentration, anxiety, asthenia.
  • Chronic pain support: back, neck, joint, and muscle pain, tension syndromes, pain associated with osteochondrosis and chronic conditions.

Additional care areas:

  • Preventive consultations and check-up planning.
  • Medical advice and follow-up consultations.
  • Test interpretation and diagnostic guidance.
  • Structured support for undiagnosed complaints.
  • Second opinion on diagnoses and treatment plans.
  • Nutritional and lifestyle support for vitamin deficiencies, anaemia, metabolic issues.
  • Post-operative recovery support and pain management.
  • Preconception counselling and postpartum support.
  • Immunity support and strategies to reduce frequency of infections.

Dr. Travkina combines evidence-based medicine with an attentive, personalised approach. Her consultations focus not only on treatment, but also on prevention, recovery, and long-term wellbeing.

If during the consultation it becomes clear that your case requires in-person assessment or specialised care outside of her scope, the session will be terminated and the payment fully refunded.

5.0 (198)
Doctor

Taisiia Proida

Family medicine 7 years exp.

Taisiia Proida is a general practitioner with a specialization in mental health and a cognitive behavioral therapist (CBT), a member of the European Psychiatric Association. She offers online consultations for adults aged 18 and over, combining evidence-based medicine with an individualised approach to mental health care. She specialises in consultations and ongoing support for a wide range of mental health concerns, including: 

  • Mood disorders: depression, bipolar disorder, postpartum depression.
  • Anxiety disorders: generalised anxiety, OCD, panic attacks, phobias.
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD.
  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Assessment is provided only after an initial psychiatric evaluation and during a follow-up appointment.
  • Personality disorders and emotional instability.
  • Cyclothymia and mood fluctuations.
  • Schizophrenia spectrum and related conditions.

Dr. Proida combines clinical expertise with an empathetic approach, offering structured support based on evidence-based practices. Her work integrates CBT techniques with medical management, with a focus on anxiety and depressive disorders. She works with clients from different countries and cultural backgrounds, adapting her communication style and recommendations to individual needs. With experience in international clinical trials (Pfizer, Merck), she values clarity, trust, and collaborative partnership in patient care.

5.0 (939)
Doctor

Alina Tsurkan

Family medicine 13 years exp.

Dr. Alina Tsurkan is a licensed family medicine physician based in Portugal, offering online consultations for adults and children. She provides professional primary care, with a focus on prevention, accurate diagnosis, and long-term management of acute and chronic conditions.

Dr. Tsurkan supports patients with a wide range of health issues, including:

  • Respiratory infections: cold, flu, bronchitis, pneumonia, and lingering coughs.
  • ENT conditions: sinusitis, tonsillitis, otitis (ear infections), sore throat, allergic rhinitis.
  • Eye conditions: allergic or infectious conjunctivitis, red eyes, irritation.
  • Digestive issues: acid reflux (GERD), gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, bloating, nausea.
  • Urinary and reproductive health: urinary tract infections (UTIs), cystitis, prevention of recurrent infections.
  • Chronic diseases: hypertension, elevated cholesterol, weight management.
  • Neurological complaints: headaches, migraines, sleep disturbances, fatigue, general weakness.
  • Children’s health: fever, infections, digestive issues, follow-ups, vaccination guidance.

She also provides:

  • IMT medical certificates for driving licence exchange in Portugal.
  • Personalised preventive care and wellness consultations.
  • Interpretation of test results and medical reports.
  • Follow-up care and medication review.
  • Support in managing multiple coexisting conditions.
  • Remote prescription management and medical documentation.

Dr. Tsurkan’s approach is evidence-based and holistic. She works closely with each patient to develop an individualised care plan that addresses both symptoms and root causes. Her goal is to empower patients to take control of their health and maintain well-being through lifestyle adjustments, routine check-ups, and early intervention.

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€55
5.0 (2)
Doctor

Alexander Nazarchuk

Allergology 7 years exp.

Dr. Alexander Nazarchuk is a physician specialising in allergology and internal medicine. He provides online consultations for adults, following the principles of evidence-based medicine — no outdated treatments or unnecessary tests, with clear explanations and a personalised approach. He helps patients with a wide range of allergic and therapeutic conditions, from common day-to-day complaints to complex cases involving allergies, gastrointestinal issues, cardiovascular concerns, respiratory symptoms, and more.

You can consult Dr. Nazarchuk for:

  • Test interpretation and guidance on diagnostic plans.
  • Allergic rhinitis, hay fever, bronchial asthma (including severe cases).
  • Food and drug allergies, skin rashes, angioedema.
  • Atopic dermatitis, urticaria, contact allergies.
  • Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) – initiation and ongoing management.
  • Abdominal pain, bloating, changes in bowel habits, nausea, heartburn.
  • High blood pressure and adjustment of baseline antihypertensive therapy.
  • Hyperlipidaemia and elevated cholesterol.
  • Cough, nasal congestion, fever, sore throat.
  • Anaemia, including iron deficiency and related conditions.
  • Other issues related to allergology and internal medicine.

During consultations, Dr. Nazarchuk takes a thorough, structured approach — analysing symptoms, identifying potential causes, and helping patients make informed decisions. Whether treatment, further investigation, or monitoring is needed, he explains each step clearly so you understand your health and how best to manage it.

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€66
5.0 (5)
Doctor

Tomasz Grzelewski

Dermatology 21 years exp.

Dr Tomasz Grzelewski is an MD, PhD specialist in allergy, paediatrics, general practice and sports medicine, with a clinical focus on dermatology, endocrinology, allergology and sports-related health. He has more than 20 years of clinical experience and completed his medical training at the Medical University of Łódź, where he defended his PhD thesis with distinction. His doctoral research was recognised by the Polish Society of Allergology for its innovative contribution to the field. Throughout his career, he has gained extensive expertise in diagnosing and managing a wide range of allergic and paediatric conditions, including modern allergen desensitisation techniques. For five years, Dr Grzelewski served as the Head of two paediatric departments in Poland, managing complex clinical cases and leading multidisciplinary teams. He also worked in medical centres in the United Kingdom, gaining experience across both primary care and specialist environments. With over a decade of telemedicine experience, he has provided online consultations across Europe and is valued for his clear, structured and evidence-based medical guidance. Dr Grzelewski is actively involved in clinical programmes focused on modern anti-allergic therapies. As a Principal Investigator, he leads research projects on sublingual and oral allergen desensitisation, supporting evidence-based progress in allergy treatment for both children and adults. In addition to his background in allergology and paediatrics, he completed dermatology studies through the Cambridge Education Group (Royal College of Physicians of Ireland) and a Clinical Endocrinology course at Harvard Medical School. This advanced training enhances his ability to manage skin manifestations of allergies, atopic conditions, urticaria, endocrine-related symptoms and complex immunological reactions. Patients commonly seek his care for: 

  • seasonal and perennial allergies
  • allergic rhinitis and chronic nasal symptoms
  • asthma and breathing difficulties
  • food and medication allergies
  • urticaria, atopic dermatitis and skin reactions
  • recurrent infections in children
  • sports-related health questions
  • general family medicine concerns

Dr Tomasz Grzelewski is known for his clear communication style, structured medical approach and ability to explain treatment options in a concise and accessible way. His multidisciplinary background across allergy, paediatrics, dermatology and endocrinology allows him to provide safe, up-to-date and comprehensive care for patients of all ages.

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€86
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