Start with how your child is acting
Fever is a raised body temperature and is often part of the body’s response to infection. The number on a thermometer is only one part of the picture. Notice whether your child is alert, breathing comfortably, drinking and passing urine, and whether their condition is getting better or worse.
Use a digital thermometer according to its instructions and tell the clinician the reading, how it was taken and when symptoms began. In Uganda, malaria is one possible cause of fever, but many illnesses can look similar. A health professional can advise whether testing or treatment is needed.
Comfort and fluids
Offer frequent drinks or breastfeeds and allow your child to rest. Dress them comfortably; avoid heavy wrapping. If you are considering medicine for discomfort, ask a health professional or pharmacist for advice on the correct product and dose for your child’s age and weight, and follow the label carefully.
Do not give aspirin to children unless specifically prescribed by a clinician. Avoid cold baths, ice and rubbing alcohol to bring a temperature down. Never use leftover antibiotics or antimalarial medicines without a current clinical assessment.
Get urgent medical care for danger signs
Seek urgent assessment if your child is struggling to breathe, is unusually sleepy or difficult to wake, has a seizure, cannot drink or breastfeed, vomits repeatedly, has signs of dehydration, develops a stiff neck, or has a rash that does not fade when pressed. A fever in a baby younger than 3 months needs prompt medical assessment.
Trust your instincts. If your child looks seriously unwell or is worsening quickly, do not wait for a routine appointment. Contact emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department.
What to tell the care team
Share your child’s age, temperature and how it was measured, when the fever began, how much they are drinking and urinating, and any other symptoms. Mention recent travel, known illnesses, allergies, medicines already given and the exact doses and times.
Follow the clinician’s instructions about tests, medicines and review. Return for care if the child worsens, new warning signs appear, or you are concerned despite following the plan.
This information is not a diagnosis
Children can become unwell quickly, and the right treatment depends on age, symptoms and examination. This guide supports, but does not replace, advice from a qualified health professional. Mbarara Doctors’ Plaza Hospital provides paediatric and emergency services; contact the hospital for guidance on where to seek care.
This content is for general information only and is not a substitute for an individual assessment, diagnosis or treatment plan from a qualified health professional.
