What is a high temperature in children?

 As a general rule a temperature of over 37.5 (99.5F) is a fever. 
You can use a thermometer to find out if your child has a fever. 

Taking a child's temperature
A body temperature reading can be taken from the mouth, armpit, ear, skin surface or the rectum. 

Temperature tips
You can take a reading:

• from your child's mouth

• under the arm

• in the ear

• using a forehead strip.

Although a rectal temperature reading is the most accurate and is quite often used in hospital, it's not necessary to be so precise when taking temperature readings at home.
Rectal temperature reading is therefore not recommended for home use.
Rectal temperatures are the closest to 'core' temperature and are about 0.5ºC (2ºF) higher than readings taken from the mouth or ear.
Temperature readings from the armpit are not very reliable and are about 0.5ºC lower than mouth temperature.
Thermometer strips that are placed on the child's forehead are popular and give a rough guide, only.
Most of the time the exact level of a child’s temperature is not particularly important.
In practical terms, the temperature reading will be enough to give an indication of whether a fever is present.
Fever does not require treating. Only if the child is miserable, should paracetamol or ibuprofen be considered to make the child feel better, by reducing their temperature.


Websites for advice and support: http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/1633.aspx?CategoryID=62&SubCategoryID=64 http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/health_advice/facts/childrenfever.htm http://www.calpol.co.uk/childhood-ailments?gclid=CKGJ3Je66bECFYzbfAod7RcArg