Fever in babies and children: when to worry and what to do at home
Last updated October 31, 2026
Based on DOH, NHS, WHO and other trusted sources listed below. Not yet reviewed by a clinician. See the sources
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In short
A fever is a temperature of 38°C or higher. In children it is usually caused by a common infection and gets better within a few days. Baby fever needs extra care: a baby under 3 months with a temperature of 38°C or higher needs a doctor straight away. For any child, how they look and act matters more than the number on the thermometer. In the Philippines, a fever lasting 2 days, especially in the rainy season, also needs a check for dengue.
When to get help now
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room straight away if:
- A baby under 3 months old with a temperature of 38°C or higher
- A seizure (fit), especially a first one or one lasting more than 5 minutes
- Very sleepy, floppy or hard to wake, confused, or not responding to you normally
- Not able to drink or breastfeed, or vomiting everything
- Fast or difficult breathing, grunting, or the skin between or below the ribs sucking in with each breath
- Skin, lips or tongue that look pale, blotchy, blue or grey
- A rash that does not fade when you press a clear glass against it
- A stiff neck, or a bulging soft spot on a baby's head
- A weak, high-pitched or non-stop cry that is not like your child's normal cry
- Signs of severe dehydration, such as hardly peeing all day, very dry mouth, or cold hands and feet
- Dengue warning signs: belly pain, vomiting again and again, bleeding from the gums or nose, or becoming very sleepy or restless
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On this page
What counts as a fever, and how to check
A normal temperature for babies and children is about 36.4°C, though it varies a little from child to child. A fever is 38°C or higher.
How to check:
- Use a digital thermometer. Mercury thermometers are banned in the Philippines because mercury is poisonous.
- For children under 5, place the tip in the armpit. Hold the arm gently against the side and wait until the thermometer beeps or shows the reading for as long as its leaflet says.
- Feeling the forehead with your hand is not accurate.
- Write down the temperature, the time, and any medicine you gave. This helps the doctor.
The number is not everything. A child with a high fever who is still playing and drinking is often less worrying than a child with a lower fever who is very sleepy or breathing fast. Watch how your child looks and behaves, and check on them during the night too.
Age matters: young babies need a doctor quickly
Under 3 months: a temperature of 38°C or higher needs a doctor straight away, even if the baby seems fine otherwise, because fever at this age can be a sign of a serious infection. Go to the nearest emergency room. Ask a doctor before giving any fever medicine to a baby this young.
3 to 6 months: a temperature of 39°C or higher needs a doctor today.
Older babies and children: most fevers are from common viral infections and can be cared for at home, as long as there are no danger signs. See a doctor if the fever lasts 2 days or more, or if you are worried.
Common causes of fever in children
Fever is a sign that the body is fighting an infection. Common causes are:
- viral infections such as colds and flu, which are the most common cause
- ear, throat and chest infections, including pneumonia
- urinary tract infections, where fever may be the only sign in a young child (see our guide on UTI symptoms)
- dengue, which is common in the Philippines, especially in the rainy season
- measles and other infections that vaccines prevent
A mild fever after a vaccine is also common and usually harmless.
Teething does not cause a real fever. It can make a baby a little warm and fussy, but a temperature of 38°C or more has another cause, so don't blame it on teething.
How to care for a child with fever at home
- Give plenty of fluids. Breastfeed more often. Offer water or other drinks to older children, or oral rehydration solution (ORS) if they are also vomiting or have diarrhea.
- Dress them lightly and keep the room comfortable. Don't wrap them in thick blankets to make them sweat it out, and don't strip them completely either.
- Don't use cold water, ice or alcohol rubs. They can cause shivering, and alcohol can be absorbed through the skin and poison a child. Sponging with lukewarm water does not bring a fever down for long. If it comforts your child, it is fine, but stop if they shiver.
- Let them rest, and keep them home from school or daycare while they are unwell.
- Watch for signs of dehydration: fewer wet diapers or less urine than usual, a dry mouth, no tears when crying, sunken eyes, or a sunken soft spot on a baby's head.
Fever medicine is for a child who is uncomfortable or distressed. It does not need to bring the temperature back to normal, and it does not prevent febrile seizures.
- Paracetamol is usually the safest choice in the Philippines, because ibuprofen should be avoided when a fever could be dengue. Give the dose for your child's age or weight printed on the label, and measure it with the dropper, syringe or cup that comes with that bottle.
- Paracetamol drops for babies and syrups for older children come in different strengths. Never swap measuring tools between bottles, and don't give two medicines that both contain paracetamol.
- Ibuprofen is not for babies under 3 months or for a child who is dehydrated. In the Philippines, avoid ibuprofen until a doctor has said the fever is not dengue (see below).
- Don't give paracetamol and ibuprofen at the same time.
- Never give aspirin to children.
- If you are not sure about a dose, ask a pharmacist or your health center.
Our free AI child health guide can help you think through your child's symptoms, any time.
Fever during dengue season
In the Philippines, a fever can be the first sign of dengue, especially in the rainy season. Dengue is more dangerous in babies.
- Take your child to a doctor or health center if a fever lasts 2 days. The NS1 blood test for dengue works best in the first 5 days of illness. Ask your health center where it can be done.
- Use paracetamol, not ibuprofen, aspirin or mefenamic acid, until a doctor has said it is not dengue. These other medicines can make bleeding more likely in dengue.
- Keep watching when the fever goes down. In dengue, the most dangerous time is often the day or two after the fever drops. Belly pain, vomiting again and again, bleeding from the gums or nose, or a child who becomes very sleepy or restless needs a hospital straight away.
Read our guide on dengue symptoms and warning signs for more.
If your child has a fit (febrile seizure)
Some children aged about 6 months to 5 years have a fit when they have a fever. Their body may stiffen and shake, and they may not respond. It is frightening to see, but most febrile seizures stop on their own within a few minutes and do not cause brain damage.
If it happens:
- Stay calm and note the time it started.
- Make sure your child is somewhere safe, such as on the floor, and move away anything hard or sharp.
- Don't put anything in their mouth, not even a spoon or your fingers, and don't try to hold them still.
- When the shaking stops, turn them onto their side and stay with them.
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if it is your child's first seizure, if it lasts more than 5 minutes, or if your child has trouble breathing or does not wake up normally afterwards. Every child who has a first febrile seizure needs to be checked by a doctor.
When to see a doctor
Within 24 hours
See a doctor or go to a health centre today if:
- A baby aged 3 to 6 months has a temperature of 39°C or higher
- The fever has lasted 2 days or more, especially in the rainy season or when there is dengue in your area
- Your child shows signs of dehydration, such as fewer wet diapers, a dry mouth or no tears
- The fever went away and came back, or your child seems to be getting worse
- Your child still seems unwell, very fussy or not like themselves even after the fever comes down
- Your child has a long-term illness or a weak immune system and has a fever
Book a visit
Make an appointment at your health centre or YAKAP clinic if:
- Your child had a febrile seizure before and you want a plan for the next fever
- You want advice on fever medicines and the right dose for your child's weight
- Your child's vaccines are not up to date
Questions about your own situation?
Kiko, our Child health (under 5), answers in your language, free, any time. Kiko is an AI agent, not a person: in an emergency, call 911.
Common questions
What temperature is a fever in a baby?
A temperature of 38°C or higher is a fever. A normal temperature is about 36.4°C. In a baby under 3 months, any temperature of 38°C or higher needs a doctor straight away.
Can teething cause a fever?
Not a real fever. Teething can make a baby slightly warm, drooly and fussy, but a temperature of 38°C or more has another cause. If your baby has a fever, look for that cause and see a doctor if you are worried.
Should I give my child a sponge bath for fever?
It is not needed to treat a fever and does not lower the temperature for long. Never use cold water, ice or alcohol. If a lukewarm sponge bath makes your child feel better, it is fine, but stop if they start to shiver.
Can I alternate paracetamol and ibuprofen?
Don't give them at the same time. Doctors only suggest switching between them if a child stays distressed before the next dose is due, and in the Philippines ibuprofen should be avoided until dengue is ruled out. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before switching.
How long does a fever last in children?
Most fevers from common infections get better within 1 to 4 days. In the Philippines, see a doctor if a fever lasts 2 days, so that dengue can be checked. See a doctor sooner if your child seems very unwell.
Is a high fever dangerous for my child's brain?
Fever from an infection is uncomfortable, but it does not usually harm the brain by itself, even when it reaches 40°C. The cause of the fever, and how your child looks and acts, matter more. Most febrile seizures also do not cause brain damage.
Should I wrap my child in a blanket to sweat out the fever?
No. Wrapping a child in thick blankets or extra clothes can make them hotter and more uncomfortable. Dress them in light clothes, keep the room comfortable, and give plenty of fluids.
Sources
- NHS (UK) High temperature (fever) in children (opens in a new tab) (checked October 31, 2026)
- NHS (UK) How to take your baby's temperature (opens in a new tab) (checked October 31, 2026)
- NHS (UK) Febrile seizures (opens in a new tab) (checked October 31, 2026)
- NHS (UK) Dehydration (opens in a new tab) (checked October 31, 2026)
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (UK) Fever in under 5s: assessment and initial management (NG143) (opens in a new tab) (checked October 31, 2026)
- World Health Organization WHO consolidated guidelines for the management of common childhood illness (IMCI danger signs) (opens in a new tab) (checked October 31, 2026)
- Department of Health Philippines and World Health Organization Integrated Management of Childhood Illness, Philippine version (2015) (opens in a new tab) (checked October 31, 2026)
- American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org) Fever and your baby (opens in a new tab) (checked October 31, 2026)
- American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org) Symptom checker: fever (opens in a new tab) (checked October 31, 2026)
- NHS (UK) Paracetamol for children (opens in a new tab) (checked October 31, 2026)
- NHS (UK) Ibuprofen for children (opens in a new tab) (checked October 31, 2026)
- Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust Fever (high temperature) in children: patient leaflet (opens in a new tab) (checked October 31, 2026)
- American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org) Febrile seizures in children (opens in a new tab) (checked October 31, 2026)
- MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine Acetaminophen (paracetamol): drug information (opens in a new tab) (checked October 31, 2026)
- MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine When your baby or infant has a fever (opens in a new tab) (checked October 31, 2026)
- World Health Organization Handbook for clinical management of dengue (2012): dengue in infants, warning signs and home care (opens in a new tab) (checked October 31, 2026)
- World Health Organization Dengue and severe dengue (fact sheet) (opens in a new tab) (checked October 31, 2026)
- PhilHealth PhilHealth Circular 2026-0009: Quality standards on the diagnosis and management of dengue (adult and children) (opens in a new tab) (checked October 31, 2026)
- Food and Drug Administration Philippines FDA Circular No. 2022-003: banning of all mercury-added thermometers and sphygmomanometers (opens in a new tab) (checked October 31, 2026)
- Philippine Pediatric Society Infobox on vaccines (opens in a new tab) (checked October 31, 2026)
Related guides
Dengue symptoms and warning signs: when to go to the hospital
Dengue is a virus spread by Aedes mosquitoes. It usually starts with a sudden high fever, headache, pain behind the eyes and body pains. Most people get better in about a week. Some get severe dengue, often in the day or two after the fever goes down. Watch for warning signs such as belly pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding or extreme tiredness, and go to a hospital at once if they appear. An NS1 blood test in the first days of illness can help confirm dengue early.
UTI symptoms: burning when you pee and when to see a doctor
A urinary tract infection (UTI) happens when bacteria get into the bladder or the tubes that carry urine. Common UTI symptoms are burning or pain when you pee, needing to pee often, and cloudy or bloody urine. Fever, chills and pain in the back or side can mean the infection has reached the kidneys, which needs a doctor quickly. A urine test confirms a UTI, and antibiotics need a doctor's prescription.
PhilHealth YAKAP (formerly Konsulta): how to register and what is free
PhilHealth YAKAP is the free primary care benefit that replaced Konsulta in 2025. Every Filipino can register with one YAKAP clinic for free consultations, a yearly health check, lab tests, cancer screening and up to ₱20,000 a year in medicines. You choose a clinic through the eGovPH app, the PhilHealth Member Portal, a PhilHealth office or the clinic itself, then complete your first visit there. Public YAKAP clinics charge nothing for covered services.
Flu symptoms (trangkaso): home care and when to worry
Flu, or trangkaso, is a virus infection of the nose, throat and lungs. Flu symptoms come on suddenly: fever, chills, a dry cough, sore throat, headache, body aches and deep tiredness. Most people get better at home in about a week with rest, fluids and paracetamol as the label says. Antibiotics don't help. In the Philippines, a fever like this can also be dengue. Young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with long-term illness should see a doctor early.
Common cold (sipon): home remedies that work and what does not
The common cold, or sipon, is a mild virus infection of the nose and throat. Most people feel better in about a week, though a runny nose and cough can last 2 weeks or longer. Rest, fluids, warm drinks, steam and salt water for the nose help you feel better. Antibiotics do not work against colds. Get help quickly if breathing becomes hard or fast, or if a child cannot drink.
Cough remedy guide: home care, lagundi, and when to see a doctor
Most coughs come from a cold or flu and clear up on their own in 3 to 4 weeks. The best cough remedy at home is rest, plenty of fluids and warm drinks with honey (never for babies under 1). Lagundi, a Philippine herbal medicine, is meant to ease a cough but does not treat its cause. Antibiotics don't help most coughs. In the Philippines, a cough that lasts 2 weeks or more needs a TB check at your health center, and trouble breathing needs help right away.
Diarrhea (LBM): ORS, food and when to see a doctor
Diarrhea, or LBM, means loose or watery poo three or more times a day. It is usually caused by a gut infection from unsafe water or food and gets better within a week. The most important remedy is oral rehydration solution (ORS), which health centers and YAKAP clinics can give for free. Keep eating and keep breastfeeding. Go to a hospital for signs of severe dehydration, and see a doctor for blood in the poo, a baby with diarrhea, or diarrhea that does not get better.
Immunization schedule in the Philippines: free vaccines for babies
The immunization schedule tells you which vaccines your child needs and when. In the Philippines, the DOH National Immunization Program gives basic vaccines free at barangay health stations and health centers: BCG and hepatitis B at birth, pentavalent, polio and PCV at 6, 10 and 14 weeks, and measles vaccines at 9 and 12 months. Missed a dose? Your child can still catch up.
More on Babies and children
Chickenpox (bulutong-tubig): symptoms, home care and when to worry
Chickenpox, or bulutong-tubig, is a very contagious virus that causes an itchy rash of spots that turn into blisters and then scabs. Most children get better at home in 1 to 2 weeks with fluids, paracetamol and cool baths. Never give aspirin, and avoid ibuprofen. Stay home until every spot has scabbed. Adults, pregnant women, newborns and people with a weak immune system can get very sick and should see a doctor the same day. Two doses of the vaccine prevent most cases.