Most childhood fevers settle at home. This guide explains simple home care, the red flags that mean you should see a paediatrician today, and the signs that need an emergency room straight away.
What counts as a fever in a child?
A temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher counts as a fever in children. Fever itself is not an illness. It is the body's normal response to infection, and most fevers in children are caused by common viral infections that settle on their own within two to three days.
What matters more than the number on the thermometer is how your child looks and behaves. A child with 102°F who is drinking fluids, passing urine and playing between doses of medicine is usually less worrying than a child with 100.5°F who is unusually drowsy, refusing fluids or breathing fast.
Home care that actually helps
For most fevers, simple measures at home are enough while the infection runs its course.
- Offer fluids little and often: water, milk, ORS, coconut water or thin soups.
- Give paracetamol in the correct dose for your child's weight if the fever is making them uncomfortable. Follow the label or your paediatrician's advice on dose and gap.
- Dress your child in light clothing and keep the room comfortably cool. Avoid bundling in blankets.
- Let them rest, but do not force sleep. Quiet play is fine.
- Check the temperature two or three times a day rather than every few minutes.
Red flags: see a paediatrician today
Bring your child to a doctor the same day if any of the following apply.
- Your baby is under 3 months old and has any fever at all. This always needs a doctor.
- The fever has lasted more than 3 days, or keeps returning after settling.
- Your child is refusing fluids, has a dry mouth, sunken eyes or is passing much less urine.
- There is ear pain, severe sore throat, pain while passing urine, or a new rash.
- Your child has a known condition such as asthma, heart disease or a weak immune system.
Go straight to the emergency room if you see these signs
A small number of children with fever need urgent hospital care. Do not wait for a morning OPD slot if your child has any of these signs. Come to the emergency department immediately, at any hour.
- Difficulty breathing, very fast breathing, or the skin between the ribs sucking in with each breath.
- A seizure or fit, even a brief one.
- Unusual drowsiness, difficulty waking your child, or confusion.
- A rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it.
- Persistent vomiting, or signs of severe dehydration.
- A stiff neck, severe headache, or the soft spot on a baby's head bulging.
How we handle child fevers at Shalini Hospitals
Our paediatric team in Chaitanyapuri sees feverish children every day, from routine viral fevers to emergencies. The emergency department is open 24/7 with paediatricians on call, and children who need close monitoring can be admitted to our dedicated PICU. On site diagnostics, including blood tests, urine tests and X-ray, mean most answers come quickly, without sending you across the city.
If you are near Dilsukhnagar, Kothapet, LB Nagar or the surrounding areas and are worried about your child's fever, call us and the front desk will guide you on whether to come to the OPD or straight to emergency.
Quick answers
What temperature is a fever in a child?
A temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher is considered a fever in children. How the child looks and behaves matters more than the exact number.
When should I take my child with fever to the hospital?
Go to a hospital urgently if your child has difficulty breathing, a seizure, unusual drowsiness, a rash that does not fade with pressure, persistent vomiting, or signs of dehydration. Any fever in a baby under 3 months also needs a doctor immediately.
Is there a 24/7 children's emergency near Dilsukhnagar?
Yes. Shalini Hospitals Chaitanyapuri runs a 24/7 emergency department minutes from Dilsukhnagar, with paediatricians on call and a dedicated PICU for children who need intensive care.
This guide is general health information, not a diagnosis. Every child and every patient is different, so please consult a doctor about your specific situation. In an emergency, come to the hospital immediately or call +91 99593 78555.