ºÚÁϳԹÏ

Need to talk? Call 1800 882 436.
It's a free call with a maternal child health nurse. *call charges may apply from your mobile

Is it an emergency? Dial 000
If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately.

beginning of content

Fever in babies and children - infographic

4-minute read

When should a child with a fever see a doctor? How do I treat a fever at home? Answer these questions and more using this infographic about fever in children.

Infographic showing esclation flowchart for fever in babies and children.

View text version of infographic

Fever in babies and children

Call triple zero (000) if your child doesn’t respond to your voice, loses consciousness or has a seizure (fit) for the first time, or has difficulty breathing.

For children with a temperature of 38°C or higher:

Is your child aged 3 months or younger?

YES — Go to the emergency department at the nearest hospital immediately or call triple 000.

NO — Do they have emergency symptoms?

YES — Go to the emergency department at the nearest hospital immediately or call triple 000.

NO — Do they have any of these symptoms, as well as their fever?

  • Headache that is ongoing
  • Tummy pain that is ongoing
  • Febrile convulsion (seizure)
  • Fever above 40 degrees or for more than 2 days
  • Vomiting and not taking fluids well
  • Light is hurting their eyes
  • New skin rash
  • Fontanelle (soft spot on your baby’s head) is bulging
  • Seems to be getting more unwell
  • Travelled or had contact with someone with a serious infection

YES — See a doctor immediately.

NOT SURE — Call healthdirect on 1800 022 222

NO — Manage fever at home:

  • Keep fluids up
  • Keep the room at a comfortable temperature
  • Dress in light clothing
  • Consider pain relief

Continue to monitor your child for signs of worsening illness. Seek medical attention if your child seems to get worse or has a rising temperature.

This infographic does not replace the advice of your doctor or pharmacist. Read the label on the packet and information pamphlet before using medicines. For further information, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 or speak to your health professional. In an emergency, call triple zero (000) without delay.

ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï Birth and Baby – pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/fever-in-babies

ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï – healthdirect.gov.au/fever-and-high-temperature-in-children

Want more like this?

See more guides and infographics from ºÚÁϳԹÏ, Birth and Baby.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: December 2024


Back To Top

Call us and speak to a Maternal Child Health Nurse for personal advice and guidance.

Need further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses?

ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.

This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.

The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.

Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, this publication or any part of it may not be reproduced, altered, adapted, stored and/or distributed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï Australia.