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What is a fever?

In general, a temperature higher than 38°C is considered a fever.
If your little one is sick and has a fever, it most likely means their body is fighting an infection. This is a normal response to illnesses like tonsillitis or chickenpox , because a higher body temperature makes it harder for bacteria and viruses to survive.

Fevers are very common in children and most of the time there’s no cause to worry. A good way to spot if your little one has a fever is to see if their skin is hot to the touch - feel their forehead, back or tummy. They may also feel sweaty or clammy, or have red cheeks.

In our fever hub, we have information on:

  • Vaccines and Immunisations

  • Flu (Influenza) in Children & Babies

  • High Temperature (Fever) in Babies & Children

Fevers are very common in children and most of the time there’s no cause to worry. A good way to spot if your little one has a fever is to see if their skin is hot to the touch - feel their forehead, back or tummy. They may also feel sweaty or clammy, or have red cheeks.

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Corona Virus

It can be hard to know what to do if your child is unwell. It's important to trust your instincts and get medical help if you need it. If you think your child may be suffering from COVID-19 symptoms, visit the NHS website for further information.

Understanding fever

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Treating a fever

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Vaccines and Immunisations
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Flu (Influenza) in Children & Babies
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Always read the label.

Do not use more than one product containing paracetamol at the same time.

CALPOL® Infant Original Suspension, CALPOL® Infant Suspension Sachets, CALPOL® Sugar Free Infant Suspension, CALPOL® Sugar Free Infant Suspension Sachets and CALPOL® Infant Sugar Free Colour Free 120mg/5ml Oral Suspension contain paracetamol, can be used in infants from 2 months old (weighing over 4kg and not premature). For pain and fever. CALPOL® SIXPLUS™ Sugar Free Suspension and CALPOL® SIXPLUS™ Fastmelts contain paracetamol, can be used in children from 6 years old. For pain and fever. CALPROFEN® Ibuprofen Suspension contains ibuprofen, can be used in infants from 3 months old (weighing over 5Kg). For pain and fever. CALCOUGH® Infant Syrup contains glycerol, can be used in infants from 3 months old. For dry cough. CALCOUGH® Children's Syrup, can be used in children over one year old. For cough. CALGEL® Teething Gel contains an anaesthetic and antiseptic, can be used in infants from 5 months. For short- term use of no more than 7 days, where non-medicinal methods have not provided relief. Always read the label.

CALPOL® Blocked Nose Spray (from 3 years) for congestion relief. CALPOL® Saline Nasal Spray and CALPOL® Saline Nasal Drops (from birth) for congestion relief. CALPOL® Vapour Plug & Nightlight (from 3 months) to help with clear and easy breathing. Non medicines. Always read the label.

CALPOL®, CALPROFEN®, CALGEL® and CALCOUGH® are registered trademarks. SIXPLUS™ is a trademark.

The healthcare professionals involved in creating the website content do not endorse any medicinal products or brands.

Site last updated on: March 2025

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