When your baby, toddler or child has a fever it can be a very worrying time. How and when should it be treated, and is there anything you can do to decrease the likelihood of febrile convulsions? Unfortunately, a lot of the advice shared by parents can be based on incorrect information. Below are links to medical, evidence-based information.
Please remember, if you are worried about your child’s health it is important that you seek medical advice, either by calling Health Direct on 1800 022 222 (available 24 hours a day), or visiting your GP.
- Fever is one of the body’s immune responses to illness
- A fever does not mean you automatically treat with paracetamol (Panadol) or ibuprofen (Nurofen)
- Giving paracetamol/ibuprofen DOES NOT reduce the risk of febrile convulsion
- Children experiencing fever should never be given cold baths
- If you are concerned, seek medical advice
Management of the Child with Fever pamphlet
by the Joanna Briggs Institute.
Information covered:
- What is fever?
- When to seek advice from a Health Professional
- When and how to treat a fever
Febrile Convulsion Factsheet
by the Children’s Hospital at Westmead
Information covered:
- What is a febrile convulsion?
- What causes it?
- Should I call an ambulance?
- Why is my child sleepy after a convulsion?
- What can doctor’s do for my child?
- My child has had a seizure, what next?
