Fever in children: when to care at home, when to see a child specialist

Fever is not a disease in itself — it is a sign the body is fighting an infection. Most viral fevers settle in a few days. In children, though, some signs mean you should see a doctor quickly.

Go to a doctor or hospital at once if

• The baby is under 3 months old and has a fever
• There is a fit (seizure)
• Breathing is fast, the chest pulls in, or the lips turn blue
• The child is unusually sleepy, limp or hard to wake
• The child can't breastfeed or eat at all, or keeps vomiting
• No urine for 6–8 hours
• Red-purple spots that don't fade when pressed

Book a child specialist if

• The fever lasts more than 3 days
• There is ear pain, sore throat, or crying while passing urine
• The child still isn't playing or eating after the fever comes down
• Fever during dengue season — especially with stomach pain or vomiting

Care at home

• Offer breast milk, water, soup or ORS often
• Dress the child lightly; don't wrap them in blankets
• Sponge with lukewarm water
• Give paracetamol in the dose for the child's weight — ask a doctor for the dose
• Never give children aspirin

What to bring to the doctor

Write down when the fever started, how high it went, and which medicines you gave and how often. Bring the child's vaccination card and previous prescriptions.

Our child specialist page lists Khulna's paediatricians with their chambers, visiting days and fees. Call or WhatsApp the Booking Line for a serial.