What Causes Fever in Children?

1. Viral and Bacterial Infections

• Viral illnesses such as flu, cold, COVID-19, and throat infections can cause fever.
• Bacterial infections like middle ear infection, pneumonia, and urinary tract infection can also trigger fever.

2. Post-Vaccination Fever

Mild fever may occur in infants and children after vaccinations such as combination vaccines, measles vaccine, or other vaccinations.

3. Teething

The teething process in infants can cause mild fever, but it generally does not exceed 38°C.

4. Sunstroke and Hot Weather

Prolonged exposure to excessive heat or dehydration can cause an increase in body temperature.

5. Immune System Diseases

Immune system diseases such as leukemia and rheumatoid arthritis can also be underlying causes of fever.

How is Fever Measured?

Using the correct method for measuring fever helps to accurately assess a child's body temperature.

• Rectal (From the Rectum) Measurement: Provides the most accurate result but is more often used in infants.
• Ear (Tympanic) Measurement: Provides quick results, but the device must be used correctly for accurate measurement.
• Oral Measurement: Suitable for children over 4 years old.
• Armpit (Axillary) Measurement: Is the most practical method but is less reliable compared to other methods.

Important: While a temperature above 38°C is considered fever, a temperature of 39°C and above is considered high fever.

When is Fever Dangerous in Children?

• If a fever of 38°C and above occurs in babies under 3 months, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
• A fever of 39°C and above can be risky, especially in young children.
• If fever is accompanied by convulsions, confusion, persistent sleepiness, or skin rash, emergency medical attention is required.

How to Reduce Fever in Children?

Some effective methods that can be applied to reduce fever in children include:

1. Ensure Adequate Fluid Intake

• Ensure children consume fluids such as water, breast milk, fruit juice, or soup.
• The risk of dehydration is high because sweating will increase with fever.

2. Give Lukewarm Baths or Apply Compresses

• Bathing with lukewarm water instead of cold water can help reduce fever.
• You can apply a compress with a cloth soaked in lukewarm water to the forehead, armpits, and groin areas.

3. Dress in Light and Thin Clothes

• Prefer thin and cotton clothes instead of layering your child.
• Using thick blankets can further increase body temperature.

4. Keep the Room Temperature Balanced

• Keep the room temperature around 22-24°C to avoid extremely hot or cold environments.
• Ensure fresh air by regularly ventilating the room.

5. Use Fever Reducers with Doctor's Advice

• Fever reducers containing paracetamol (Calpol, Minoset) or ibuprofen (Dolven, İbufen) can be used under doctor supervision.
• Aspirin should never be given to children!

6. Pay Attention to Nutrition

• Prefer light and easily digestible foods (soup, yogurt, fruit).
• Avoid heavy and fatty foods.

What Should Not Be Done To Reduce Fever in Children

• Do not apply compresses with alcohol or vinegar.
• Do not bathe with ice-cold water.
• Do not leave the child in very hot or cold environments.
• Do not give medication without consulting a doctor.

When Should You See a Doctor for a Child with Fever?

If the fever in babies under 3 months exceeds 38°C, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
If the fever lasts longer than 3 days, a specialist should be consulted.

If the child has fever along with the following symptoms, a doctor should be seen immediately:

• Experiencing convulsions
• Persistent sleepiness or loss of consciousness
• Bruising or rashes on the skin
• Severe headache or neck stiffness
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
  
  

Fever in children is usually a natural response to infections and is harmless in most cases. However, if high fever persists or dangerous symptoms appear, it is essential to consult a doctor. Methods that can be applied at home, such as lukewarm baths, adequate fluid intake, thin clothing, and appropriate fever reducers, can help control the child's fever.

What is a Febrile Seizure in Children?

Seizures seen with fever are common in children and are usually more prevalent in children aged 6 months to 5 years. These seizures, which occur due to a temporary disruption in the brain's electrical activity as a result of the rapid rise in high fever, are usually short-lived and do not typically recur.


Although the exact cause of the seizure is unknown, it is thought that the high fever may have a triggering effect on the brain. The seizure occurs when the child's fever exceeds 39°C but can also be seen at lower temperatures.

Symptoms of a Febrile Seizure

• Eyes rolling upwards or a fixed gaze in the eyesBody twitching or shaking
• Loss of consciousness in the child
• Short-term muscle contractions and body freezing

Treatment of Febrile Seizures

Febrile seizures usually resolve on their own, but when you notice your child having a seizure, it is important to take a few calm steps:

• Lay your child in a safe place and keep them away from sharp objects.
  
  
• Do not interfere with securing your child's head, and do not put anything in their mouth.If the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, seek emergency medical help immediately.

What Can Be Done to Reduce the Risk of Febrile Seizures in Children?

To prevent the recurrence of febrile seizures, it is important to intervene immediately in your child's rapidly rising fever. Encouraging adequate fluid intake and using fever-reducing medications can help control the fever. Additionally, avoiding triggering factors such as extreme temperatures and stress can reduce the risk of seizures. Febrile seizures usually do not pose a serious health problem, and most children recover. However, the situation experienced should definitely be evaluated and monitored by a healthcare professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

What home care methods can be applied for children with fever?

Feed your child with plenty of fluids. Water, breast milk, or fruit juices can be preferred. Also, giving a lukewarm bath or applying a warm compress can help reduce the fever. Dress in light clothing and avoid very hot environments.

When is fever dangerous in children?

A fever exceeding 39°C can be dangerous in children. In babies under 3 months, a fever above 38°C always requires doctor supervision. Fever accompanied by convulsions, persistent sleepiness, loss of consciousness, or skin rash requires immediate intervention.

Is it safe to use fever-reducing medications in children?

Fever-reducing medications should be used on a doctor's recommendation. Children should not be given medication without consulting a doctor as this can increase the risk of Reye's syndrome.

What should be done if the fever in children persists for a long time?

If the fever in a child lasts longer than 3 days, a doctor should be consulted. Prolonged fever may be a sign that the body is reacting to another issue and professional intervention may be required.