In children, fever is usually caused by the following. Viral infections such as colds , flus, gastroenteritis or dengue fever . Bacterial infections such as ear infections, pneumonia or urinary tract infections . A fever might be also be caused by: Heat exhaustion Certain inflammatory conditions Certain drugs and medications Malignant tumours Vaccinations

Fever - Symptoms & Causes

Q: What is a fever?

A fever is an increased body temperature of 37.4°C or above . It is the body's natural response when fighting an infection. In children, it is common to see high temperatures of up to 40°C . Having a higher temperature does not indicate a more severe illness. However, for infants and toddlers , a fever may suggest a serious infection.

Q: What are the symptoms of a fever?

When you have a fever, your body temperature is higher than 37.4°C . Don’t rely on touch to assess a temperature. Use a thermometer. As a child , you may also experience: Irritability Lethargy Longer sleeping time Febrile fits during a sudden rise in temperature, or before a fever is detected. Reduced appetite for food and drinks Shivers As an adult , you may also experience: Headaches Body aches Hot, flushed face Loss of appetite Sweating or weakness Shivers

Symptoms & Causes Diagnosis & Treatment Our Expertise & Doctors FAQ

What is a fever?

A fever is an increased body temperature of 37.4°C or above. It is the body's natural response when fighting an infection.

In children, it is common to see high temperatures of up to 40°C. Having a higher temperature does not indicate a more severe illness. However, for infants and toddlers, a fever may suggest a serious infection.

What are the symptoms of a fever?

When you have a fever, your body temperature is higher than 37.4°C. Don’t rely on touch to assess a temperature. Use a thermometer.

As a child, you may also experience:

Irritability
Lethargy
Longer sleeping time
Febrile fits during a sudden rise in temperature, or before a fever is detected.
Reduced appetite for food and drinks
Shivers

As an adult, you may also experience:

Headaches
Body aches
Hot, flushed face
Loss of appetite
Sweating or weakness
Shivers

When to visit the A&E?

Visit our 24-hour A&E clinic if you or your child have the following symptoms or medical history:

Child

Your young infant (below 3 months old) has a temperature of 38°C or more, or your child displays the following symptoms:

A temperature exceeding 41°C
Drowsiness or increased lethargy
Fever for a few days with no other symptoms
Extremely irritability or inconsolability despite efforts to lower the fever
Recurrent vomiting, with a stiff neck or severe headache
Refusal to drink fluids or unable to pass enough urine
Severe pain over any part of the body
Red lips, red eyes or a rash
Hard or fast breathing
Febrile fit or seizures
Smelly urine

Adult

You had:

A seizure or fits, coupled with fever
Surgery or a medical procedure recently

You are:

Pregnant
Coughing up blood
Struggling to breathe
Undergoing chemotherapy with an oral temperature that exceeds 38ºC for more than 1 hour
Taking steroids and medicines used to prevent rejection after an organ transplant

You have:

Rashes
Infections often
Diabetes, heart disease, cancer, lupus, or sickle cell anaemia
Recently been to Africa, Asia, Latin America, or the Middle East
Severe pain in the belly, back, or sides
Severe headache or neck pain
Severe vomiting or diarrhoea
Seizure or confusion
Severe chest pain

What causes fever?

In children, fever is usually caused by the following.

Viral infections such as colds, flus, gastroenteritis or dengue fever.
Bacterial infections such as ear infections, pneumonia or urinary tract infections.

A fever might be also be caused by: