The latest Royal Children’s Hospital National Child Health Poll surveyed Australian parents, asking a series of questions about fever.

Key findings include:

• Australian parents report over half (58%) of children aged less than five years have had a fever in the past three months.
• One in three parents say they would always or often visit the GP if their child had a fever and one in 10 would always or often visit an emergency department.
• Many parents hold misbeliefs with 32% mistakenly believing fever is always a sign of serious illness and 40% mistakenly believing untreated fever can cause death.
• Parents have misunderstandings about the role of medication with four in five believing that it is important to try to lower the body temperature of a child with a fever.

Channel 9 Melbourne: Parents are over-medicating their kids

Channel 7 Melbourne: Advice on children’s fevers doctors want every family to know

Herald Sun: Royal Children’s Hospital research reveals parents are giving wrong care to sick kids

3AW: ‘Not recommended’: Research shows parents are over-medicating their children

ABC Radio Perth: Has your child got a fever? Here’s what you should do

Tips for parents

• If your child seems otherwise well and comfortable, there is no need to treat a fever.
• Lowering your child’s fever will not help to treat the underlying illness.
• Many children refuse to eat when they have a fever, this is not a problem, as long as they stay hydrated so give them frequent small drinks.
• Give your child paracetamol and/or ibuprofen if they are uncomfortable or miserable, or if they have pain or other symptoms, such as a sore throat.
• Do not give ibuprofen to babies under three months old or to any child who is dehydrated.
• Try wiping your child’s forehead with a sponge or face washer soaked in slightly warm water to help them feel comfortable.
• It’s important children don’t become too cold or uncomfortable and lowering the body temperature with cold baths or showers is not recommended.
• If your child is shivering, add another layer of clothing or a blanket until they stop.
• If your baby is under three months old and has a fever they should be seen by a healthcare provider the same day

Resources 

1. RCH Kids Health Information fact sheet – Fever: www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/fever_in_children