🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 10 (from laksa141)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa010.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/high-temperature/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/high-temperature/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/high-temperature\/","crawl_time":1775622459,"first_indexed_time":1628105546,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"ie,hse!www2,\/conditions\/high-temperature\/ s443","src_root_hash":"5514331230062789010","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"High temperature - fever in children","meta_descriptions":["Learn the signs and symptoms of a high temperature and fever in a child. Find out what you can do if your child has a high temperature."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"This page is about fever in children. For general information about fever, see\nfever in adults\n.\nA normal temperature is between 36 and 37.4 degrees Celsius.\nIn children, any temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or above is considered high. High temperature is common in young children. Their temperature usually returns to normal in 3 or 4 days.\nA temperature above 38 degrees Celsius is usually a sign of an infection such as a cold. But it can also be due to more serious infections, so it's important to look at all your child's symptoms.\nSymptoms of a high temperature in children\nHigh temperatures are usually caused by minor illnesses. But they can be a sign of serious infections. It's important to check that your child is alert and responding to you.\nThere is a low risk of serious illness if your child:\nis content and smiling\nstays awake\nis taking drinks\nis responding normally to people\nThere is a high risk of serious illness if your child:\ncannot be woken up or if woken, does not stay awake\nhas a weak or high-pitched continuous cry\nhas pale or blotchy skin\nkeeps vomiting\nis grunting (making short, low sounds) if they are a baby, or breathing very fast\nSome of these symptoms could be signs of sepsis.\nSigns of sepsis in children\nUrgent advice:\nGet medical help immediately if:\nyou are worried that your child may be seriously ill, even if they do not have a high temperature\nYour child can still be sick without a high temperature.\nChecking a temperature\nIf your child has a high temperature they might:\nfeel hotter than usual to touch - on their forehead, back or tummy\nfeel sweaty or clammy\nhave a flushed (reddish) appearance\nHow to check a child's temperature\nDigital thermometers\nThe best way to check your child's temperature is with a digital thermometer.\nYou can buy a digital thermometer at a pharmacy, supermarket or online. The thermometer will come with instructions.\nDo not take your child's temperature immediately after a bath or when they're wrapped in warm clothing. You will not get an accurate result.\nTreatment for a child with a fever\nIt's rare for a fever to be a sign of anything serious.\nYou can usually look after your child or baby at home. The temperature should go down over 3 or 4 days.\nDo\ndress your child in light cotton clothes such as pyjamas - do not underdress them or overwrap them in clothes\ngive your child plenty of fluids\ngive your child food if they want it\ncheck on your child regularly during the night\nDon't\ndo not use a cool cloth or sponge to get their temperature down\nMedicines to treat a fever\nUse either paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce your child's temperature and to relieve any pain. Talk to your pharmacist for advice.\nImportant\nNever give aspirin to a child under age 16, unless their GP prescribes it. Aspirin can be linked to Reye's syndrome in children. This is a very rare condition that affects the brain and liver.\nStart by giving your child either paracetamol or ibuprofen. If the one you started with does not fully reduce their symptoms, try giving them the other.\nMake sure to leave:\n4 to 6 hours between each dose of paracetamol\n6 to 8 hours between each dose of ibuprofen\nDo not give more than the recommended dose for your child’s weight.\nYou can give your child paracetamol and ibuprofen if they are on an antibiotic. An antibiotic will not reduce a fever or relieve pain.\nIf your child is taking any other prescribed medicine, check with their GP if it's OK to continue taking it.\nParacetamol for children\nWhen to get help\nUrgent advice:\nContact a GP urgently if your child:\nis under 3 months old and has a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or higher, or you think they have a fever\nis 3 to 6 months old and has a temperature of 39 degrees Celsius or higher, or you think they have a fever\nhas other signs of illness, such as a rash, as well as a high temperature\nhas a high temperature that has lasted for more than 5 days\ndoes not want to eat\nis not their usual self and you're worried\nhas a high temperature that does not come down with the correct dose of paracetamol or ibuprofen\nis showing signs of dehydration - such as nappies that are not very wet, sunken eyes, and no tears when they're crying\nbecomes more unwell after you have received advice\nFind a GP\nFind a GP out-of-hours\nEmergency action required:\nCall 112 or 999, or go to your emergency department (ED) if your child:\nhas a fever you cannot control\nhas a stiff neck\nhas a rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it\nis bothered by light\nhas a fit (\nfebrile seizure\n) for the first time\nhas unusually cold hands and feet\nhas pale, blotchy, blue or grey skin\nhas a weak, high-pitched cry that's not like their normal cry\nis drowsy and hard to wake\nfinds it hard to breathe and sucks their stomach in under their ribs\nhas a soft spot on their head that curves outwards (bulging fontanelle)\nFind an ED\nGoing back to school\nDo not send your child to school or creche if they are unwell and have a high temperature.\nThey can return when their temperature:\ngoes back to normal\nstays normal without taking paracetamol and ibuprofen\nIn children, any temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or above is considered high.\nIf your child has vomiting or diarrhoea, keep them at home until 48 hours after their last bout of\nvomiting or diarrhoea\n.\nKnowing if your child is well enough to go to school or childcare","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to main content](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/high-temperature\/#maincontent)\n\n- [Jobs](https:\/\/about.hse.ie\/jobs\/job-search\/)\n- [HSE Staff](https:\/\/healthservice.hse.ie\/staff\/)\n- [About the HSE](https:\/\/about.hse.ie\/)\n\nMenu Close\n\nToggle search Search Close\n\nRecommended links\n\n- [Medical cards](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/services\/schemes-allowances\/medical-cards\/)\n- [European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/services\/schemes-allowances\/ehic\/)\n- [Find urgent and emergency care](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/services\/urgent-emergency-care\/)\n- [Find a civil registration service](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/services\/births-deaths-and-marriages\/find-a-civil-registration-service\/)\n- [GP visit cards](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/services\/schemes-allowances\/gp-visit-cards\/gp-visit-cards\/)\n\n- [Health A to Z](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/)\n- [Services](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/services\/)\n- [Living well](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/living-well\/)\n- [Mental health](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/mental-health\/)\n- [Pregnancy and birth](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/pregnancy-birth\/)\n- [Babies and children](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/babies-children\/)\n\n- [Jobs](https:\/\/about.hse.ie\/jobs\/job-search\/)\n- [HSE Staff](https:\/\/healthservice.hse.ie\/staff\/)\n- [About the HSE](https:\/\/about.hse.ie\/)\n\n- [Health A to Z](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/)\n- [Services](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/services\/)\n- [Living Well](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/living-well)\n\n1. [Home](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/)\n2. [Health A to Z](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/)\n\n[Back to Health A to Z](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/)\n\n### Warning notification:Warning\nUnfortunately, you are using an outdated browser. Please, upgrade your browser to improve your experience with HSE. The list of supported browsers:\n\n1. [Chrome](https:\/\/www.google.com\/intl\/en_ie\/chrome\/ \"Chrome\")\n2. [Edge](https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/edge?form=MA13FJ&exp=e00 \"Edge\")\n3. [FireFox](https:\/\/www.mozilla.org\/en-US\/firefox\/new\/ \"FireFox\")\n4. [Opera](https:\/\/www.opera.com\/ \"Opera\")\n5. [Safari](https:\/\/www.apple.com\/safari\/ \"Safari\")\n\n# High temperature - fever in children\nThis page is about fever in children. For general information about fever, see [fever in adults](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/fever-adults\/).\n\nA normal temperature is between 36 and 37.4 degrees Celsius.\n\nIn children, any temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or above is considered high. High temperature is common in young children. Their temperature usually returns to normal in 3 or 4 days.\n\nA temperature above 38 degrees Celsius is usually a sign of an infection such as a cold. But it can also be due to more serious infections, so it's important to look at all your child's symptoms.\n\n## Symptoms of a high temperature in children\nHigh temperatures are usually caused by minor illnesses. But they can be a sign of serious infections. It's important to check that your child is alert and responding to you.\n\nThere is a low risk of serious illness if your child:\n\n- is content and smiling\n- stays awake\n- is taking drinks\n- is responding normally to people\n\nThere is a high risk of serious illness if your child:\n\n- cannot be woken up or if woken, does not stay awake\n- has a weak or high-pitched continuous cry\n- has pale or blotchy skin\n- keeps vomiting\n- is grunting (making short, low sounds) if they are a baby, or breathing very fast\n\nSome of these symptoms could be signs of sepsis.\n\n[Signs of sepsis in children](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/sepsis\/)\n\n### Urgent advice: Get medical help immediately if:\n- you are worried that your child may be seriously ill, even if they do not have a high temperature\n\nYour child can still be sick without a high temperature.\n\n## Checking a temperature\nIf your child has a high temperature they might:\n\n- feel hotter than usual to touch - on their forehead, back or tummy\n- feel sweaty or clammy\n- have a flushed (reddish) appearance\n\n[How to check a child's temperature](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/babies-children\/parenting-advice\/caring-for-a-child\/check-temperature\/#how-to-check-your-childs-temperature)\n\n### Digital thermometers\nThe best way to check your child's temperature is with a digital thermometer.\n\nYou can buy a digital thermometer at a pharmacy, supermarket or online. The thermometer will come with instructions.\n\nDo not take your child's temperature immediately after a bath or when they're wrapped in warm clothing. You will not get an accurate result.\n\n## Treatment for a child with a fever\nIt's rare for a fever to be a sign of anything serious.\n\nYou can usually look after your child or baby at home. The temperature should go down over 3 or 4 days.\n\n### Do\n- dress your child in light cotton clothes such as pyjamas - do not underdress them or overwrap them in clothes\n- give your child plenty of fluids\n- give your child food if they want it\n- check on your child regularly during the night\n\n### Don't\n- do not use a cool cloth or sponge to get their temperature down\n\n### Medicines to treat a fever\nUse either paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce your child's temperature and to relieve any pain. Talk to your pharmacist for advice.\n\n### Important\nNever give aspirin to a child under age 16, unless their GP prescribes it. Aspirin can be linked to Reye's syndrome in children. This is a very rare condition that affects the brain and liver.\n\nStart by giving your child either paracetamol or ibuprofen. If the one you started with does not fully reduce their symptoms, try giving them the other.\n\nMake sure to leave:\n\n- 4 to 6 hours between each dose of paracetamol\n- 6 to 8 hours between each dose of ibuprofen\n\nDo not give more than the recommended dose for your child’s weight.\n\nYou can give your child paracetamol and ibuprofen if they are on an antibiotic. An antibiotic will not reduce a fever or relieve pain.\n\nIf your child is taking any other prescribed medicine, check with their GP if it's OK to continue taking it.\n\n[Paracetamol for children](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/medicines\/paracetamol-for-children\/)\n\n## When to get help\n\n### Urgent advice: Contact a GP urgently if your child:\n- is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or higher, or you think they have a fever\n- is 3 to 6 months old and has a temperature of 39 degrees Celsius or higher, or you think they have a fever\n- has other signs of illness, such as a rash, as well as a high temperature\n- has a high temperature that has lasted for more than 5 days\n- does not want to eat\n- is not their usual self and you're worried\n- has a high temperature that does not come down with the correct dose of paracetamol or ibuprofen\n- is showing signs of dehydration - such as nappies that are not very wet, sunken eyes, and no tears when they're crying\n- becomes more unwell after you have received advice\n\n[Find a GP](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/services\/find-a-gp\/)\n\n[Find a GP out-of-hours](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/services\/find-urgent-emergency-care\/)\n\n### Emergency action required: Call 112 or 999, or go to your emergency department (ED) if your child:\n- has a fever you cannot control\n- has a stiff neck\n- has a rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it\n- is bothered by light\n- has a fit ([febrile seizure](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/febrile-seizures\/)) for the first time\n- has unusually cold hands and feet\n- has pale, blotchy, blue or grey skin\n- has a weak, high-pitched cry that's not like their normal cry\n- is drowsy and hard to wake\n- finds it hard to breathe and sucks their stomach in under their ribs\n- has a soft spot on their head that curves outwards (bulging fontanelle)\n\n[Find an ED](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/services\/find-urgent-emergency-care\/)\n\n## Going back to school\nDo not send your child to school or creche if they are unwell and have a high temperature.\n\nThey can return when their temperature:\n\n- goes back to normal\n- stays normal without taking paracetamol and ibuprofen\n\nIn children, any temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or above is considered high.\n\nIf your child has vomiting or diarrhoea, keep them at home until 48 hours after their last bout of [vomiting or diarrhoea](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/diarrhoea-vomiting\/).\n\n[Knowing if your child is well enough to go to school or childcare](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/babies-children\/parenting-advice\/caring-for-a-child\/knowing-if-your-child-is-well-enough-to-go-to-school-or-childcare\/)\n***\n\nPage last reviewed: 20 October 2025   \n Next review due: 20 October 2028\n\nThis project has received funding from the Government of Ireland’s Sláintecare Integration Fund 2019 under Grant Agreement Number 123.\n\n![](https:\/\/assets.hse.ie\/media\/images\/slaintecare_nobackground.width-320_gke68yF.png)\n\n## HSE Live - we're here to help\nMonday to Friday: 8am to 8pm   \nSaturday: 9am to 5pm   \nSunday: Closed   \nBank holidays: Closed\n\n**Freephone: [1800 700 700](tel:1800700700)**\n\n**From outside Ireland: [00 353 1 240 8787](tel:0035312408787)**\n\n- [HSE Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/HSElive\/)\n- [HSE Instagram](https:\/\/instagram.com\/irishhealthservice)\n- [HSE TikTok](https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@hselive)\n- [HSE YouTube](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCoNNhGGAYkdavsSXp1iVzCg)\n- [HSE LinkedIn](https:\/\/ie.linkedin.com\/company\/health-service-executive)\n\n- [Complaints and feedback](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/complaints-feedback\/)\n- [Emergencies](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/services\/find-urgent-emergency-care\/)\n- [Cookie settings](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/high-temperature\/)\n\n## Support links\n- [Cookie statement](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/cookie-statement\/)\n- [Accessibility](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/accessibility-statement\/)\n- [Privacy statement](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/privacy-statement\/)\n- [Disclaimer](https:\/\/www.hse.ie\/disclaimer\/)\n\n© Health Service Executive","attrs_readable_markdown":"This page is about fever in children. For general information about fever, see [fever in adults](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/fever-adults\/).\n\nA normal temperature is between 36 and 37.4 degrees Celsius.\n\nIn children, any temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or above is considered high. High temperature is common in young children. Their temperature usually returns to normal in 3 or 4 days.\n\nA temperature above 38 degrees Celsius is usually a sign of an infection such as a cold. But it can also be due to more serious infections, so it's important to look at all your child's symptoms.\n\n## Symptoms of a high temperature in children\nHigh temperatures are usually caused by minor illnesses. But they can be a sign of serious infections. It's important to check that your child is alert and responding to you.\n\nThere is a low risk of serious illness if your child:\n\n- is content and smiling\n- stays awake\n- is taking drinks\n- is responding normally to people\n\nThere is a high risk of serious illness if your child:\n\n- cannot be woken up or if woken, does not stay awake\n- has a weak or high-pitched continuous cry\n- has pale or blotchy skin\n- keeps vomiting\n- is grunting (making short, low sounds) if they are a baby, or breathing very fast\n\nSome of these symptoms could be signs of sepsis.\n\n[Signs of sepsis in children](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/sepsis\/)\n\n### Urgent advice: Get medical help immediately if:\n- you are worried that your child may be seriously ill, even if they do not have a high temperature\n\nYour child can still be sick without a high temperature.\n\n## Checking a temperature\nIf your child has a high temperature they might:\n\n- feel hotter than usual to touch - on their forehead, back or tummy\n- feel sweaty or clammy\n- have a flushed (reddish) appearance\n\n[How to check a child's temperature](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/babies-children\/parenting-advice\/caring-for-a-child\/check-temperature\/#how-to-check-your-childs-temperature)\n\n### Digital thermometers\nThe best way to check your child's temperature is with a digital thermometer.\n\nYou can buy a digital thermometer at a pharmacy, supermarket or online. The thermometer will come with instructions.\n\nDo not take your child's temperature immediately after a bath or when they're wrapped in warm clothing. You will not get an accurate result.\n\n## Treatment for a child with a fever\nIt's rare for a fever to be a sign of anything serious.\n\nYou can usually look after your child or baby at home. The temperature should go down over 3 or 4 days.\n\n### Do\n- dress your child in light cotton clothes such as pyjamas - do not underdress them or overwrap them in clothes\n- give your child plenty of fluids\n- give your child food if they want it\n- check on your child regularly during the night\n\n### Don't\n- do not use a cool cloth or sponge to get their temperature down\n\n### Medicines to treat a fever\nUse either paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce your child's temperature and to relieve any pain. Talk to your pharmacist for advice.\n\n### Important\nNever give aspirin to a child under age 16, unless their GP prescribes it. Aspirin can be linked to Reye's syndrome in children. This is a very rare condition that affects the brain and liver.\n\nStart by giving your child either paracetamol or ibuprofen. If the one you started with does not fully reduce their symptoms, try giving them the other.\n\nMake sure to leave:\n\n- 4 to 6 hours between each dose of paracetamol\n- 6 to 8 hours between each dose of ibuprofen\n\nDo not give more than the recommended dose for your child’s weight.\n\nYou can give your child paracetamol and ibuprofen if they are on an antibiotic. An antibiotic will not reduce a fever or relieve pain.\n\nIf your child is taking any other prescribed medicine, check with their GP if it's OK to continue taking it.\n\n[Paracetamol for children](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/medicines\/paracetamol-for-children\/)\n\n## When to get help\n\n### Urgent advice: Contact a GP urgently if your child:\n- is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or higher, or you think they have a fever\n- is 3 to 6 months old and has a temperature of 39 degrees Celsius or higher, or you think they have a fever\n- has other signs of illness, such as a rash, as well as a high temperature\n- has a high temperature that has lasted for more than 5 days\n- does not want to eat\n- is not their usual self and you're worried\n- has a high temperature that does not come down with the correct dose of paracetamol or ibuprofen\n- is showing signs of dehydration - such as nappies that are not very wet, sunken eyes, and no tears when they're crying\n- becomes more unwell after you have received advice\n\n[Find a GP](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/services\/find-a-gp\/)\n\n[Find a GP out-of-hours](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/services\/find-urgent-emergency-care\/)\n\n### Emergency action required: Call 112 or 999, or go to your emergency department (ED) if your child:\n- has a fever you cannot control\n- has a stiff neck\n- has a rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it\n- is bothered by light\n- has a fit ([febrile seizure](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/febrile-seizures\/)) for the first time\n- has unusually cold hands and feet\n- has pale, blotchy, blue or grey skin\n- has a weak, high-pitched cry that's not like their normal cry\n- is drowsy and hard to wake\n- finds it hard to breathe and sucks their stomach in under their ribs\n- has a soft spot on their head that curves outwards (bulging fontanelle)\n\n[Find an ED](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/services\/find-urgent-emergency-care\/)\n\n## Going back to school\nDo not send your child to school or creche if they are unwell and have a high temperature.\n\nThey can return when their temperature:\n\n- goes back to normal\n- stays normal without taking paracetamol and ibuprofen\n\nIn children, any temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or above is considered high.\n\nIf your child has vomiting or diarrhoea, keep them at home until 48 hours after their last bout of [vomiting or diarrhoea](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/diarrhoea-vomiting\/).\n\n[Knowing if your child is well enough to go to school or childcare](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/babies-children\/parenting-advice\/caring-for-a-child\/knowing-if-your-child-is-well-enough-to-go-to-school-or-childcare\/)\n***","meta_canonical":null}

3. Robots.txt Check

Query:

Response:

4. Spam/Ban Check

Query:

Response:

5. Seen Status Check

ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled

📄

INDEXABLE

✅

CRAWLED

4 days ago

🤖

ROBOTS ALLOWED

Page Info Filters

Filter	Status	Condition	Details
HTTP status	PASS	`download_http_code = 200`	HTTP 200
Age cutoff	PASS	`download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH`	0.2 months ago
History drop	PASS	`isNull(history_drop_reason)`	No drop reason
Spam/ban	PASS	`fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0`	ml_spam_score=0
Canonical	PASS	`meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed`	Not set

Page Details

Property	Value
URL	https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/high-temperature/
Last Crawled	2026-04-08 04:27:39 (4 days ago)
First Indexed	2021-08-04 19:32:26 (4 years ago)
HTTP Status Code	200
Meta Title	High temperature - fever in children
Meta Description	Learn the signs and symptoms of a high temperature and fever in a child. Find out what you can do if your child has a high temperature.
Meta Canonical	null
Boilerpipe Text	This page is about fever in children. For general information about fever, see fever in adults . A normal temperature is between 36 and 37.4 degrees Celsius. In children, any temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or above is considered high. High temperature is common in young children. Their temperature usually returns to normal in 3 or 4 days. A temperature above 38 degrees Celsius is usually a sign of an infection such as a cold. But it can also be due to more serious infections, so it's important to look at all your child's symptoms. Symptoms of a high temperature in children High temperatures are usually caused by minor illnesses. But they can be a sign of serious infections. It's important to check that your child is alert and responding to you. There is a low risk of serious illness if your child: is content and smiling stays awake is taking drinks is responding normally to people There is a high risk of serious illness if your child: cannot be woken up or if woken, does not stay awake has a weak or high-pitched continuous cry has pale or blotchy skin keeps vomiting is grunting (making short, low sounds) if they are a baby, or breathing very fast Some of these symptoms could be signs of sepsis. Signs of sepsis in children Urgent advice: Get medical help immediately if: you are worried that your child may be seriously ill, even if they do not have a high temperature Your child can still be sick without a high temperature. Checking a temperature If your child has a high temperature they might: feel hotter than usual to touch - on their forehead, back or tummy feel sweaty or clammy have a flushed (reddish) appearance How to check a child's temperature Digital thermometers The best way to check your child's temperature is with a digital thermometer. You can buy a digital thermometer at a pharmacy, supermarket or online. The thermometer will come with instructions. Do not take your child's temperature immediately after a bath or when they're wrapped in warm clothing. You will not get an accurate result. Treatment for a child with a fever It's rare for a fever to be a sign of anything serious. You can usually look after your child or baby at home. The temperature should go down over 3 or 4 days. Do dress your child in light cotton clothes such as pyjamas - do not underdress them or overwrap them in clothes give your child plenty of fluids give your child food if they want it check on your child regularly during the night Don't do not use a cool cloth or sponge to get their temperature down Medicines to treat a fever Use either paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce your child's temperature and to relieve any pain. Talk to your pharmacist for advice. Important Never give aspirin to a child under age 16, unless their GP prescribes it. Aspirin can be linked to Reye's syndrome in children. This is a very rare condition that affects the brain and liver. Start by giving your child either paracetamol or ibuprofen. If the one you started with does not fully reduce their symptoms, try giving them the other. Make sure to leave: 4 to 6 hours between each dose of paracetamol 6 to 8 hours between each dose of ibuprofen Do not give more than the recommended dose for your child’s weight. You can give your child paracetamol and ibuprofen if they are on an antibiotic. An antibiotic will not reduce a fever or relieve pain. If your child is taking any other prescribed medicine, check with their GP if it's OK to continue taking it. Paracetamol for children When to get help Urgent advice: Contact a GP urgently if your child: is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or higher, or you think they have a fever is 3 to 6 months old and has a temperature of 39 degrees Celsius or higher, or you think they have a fever has other signs of illness, such as a rash, as well as a high temperature has a high temperature that has lasted for more than 5 days does not want to eat is not their usual self and you're worried has a high temperature that does not come down with the correct dose of paracetamol or ibuprofen is showing signs of dehydration - such as nappies that are not very wet, sunken eyes, and no tears when they're crying becomes more unwell after you have received advice Find a GP Find a GP out-of-hours Emergency action required: Call 112 or 999, or go to your emergency department (ED) if your child: has a fever you cannot control has a stiff neck has a rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it is bothered by light has a fit ( febrile seizure ) for the first time has unusually cold hands and feet has pale, blotchy, blue or grey skin has a weak, high-pitched cry that's not like their normal cry is drowsy and hard to wake finds it hard to breathe and sucks their stomach in under their ribs has a soft spot on their head that curves outwards (bulging fontanelle) Find an ED Going back to school Do not send your child to school or creche if they are unwell and have a high temperature. They can return when their temperature: goes back to normal stays normal without taking paracetamol and ibuprofen In children, any temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or above is considered high. If your child has vomiting or diarrhoea, keep them at home until 48 hours after their last bout of vomiting or diarrhoea . Knowing if your child is well enough to go to school or childcare
Markdown	[Skip to main content](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/high-temperature/#maincontent) - [Jobs](https://about.hse.ie/jobs/job-search/) - [HSE Staff](https://healthservice.hse.ie/staff/) - [About the HSE](https://about.hse.ie/) Menu Close Toggle search Search Close Recommended links - [Medical cards](https://www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/medical-cards/) - [European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)](https://www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/ehic/) - [Find urgent and emergency care](https://www2.hse.ie/services/urgent-emergency-care/) - [Find a civil registration service](https://www2.hse.ie/services/births-deaths-and-marriages/find-a-civil-registration-service/) - [GP visit cards](https://www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/gp-visit-cards/gp-visit-cards/) - [Health A to Z](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/) - [Services](https://www2.hse.ie/services/) - [Living well](https://www2.hse.ie/living-well/) - [Mental health](https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/) - [Pregnancy and birth](https://www2.hse.ie/pregnancy-birth/) - [Babies and children](https://www2.hse.ie/babies-children/) - [Jobs](https://about.hse.ie/jobs/job-search/) - [HSE Staff](https://healthservice.hse.ie/staff/) - [About the HSE](https://about.hse.ie/) - [Health A to Z](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/) - [Services](https://www2.hse.ie/services/) - [Living Well](https://www2.hse.ie/living-well) 1. [Home](https://www2.hse.ie/) 2. [Health A to Z](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/) [Back to Health A to Z](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/) ### Warning notification:Warning Unfortunately, you are using an outdated browser. Please, upgrade your browser to improve your experience with HSE. The list of supported browsers: 1. [Chrome](https://www.google.com/intl/en_ie/chrome/ "Chrome") 2. [Edge](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/edge?form=MA13FJ&exp=e00 "Edge") 3. [FireFox](https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/ "FireFox") 4. [Opera](https://www.opera.com/ "Opera") 5. [Safari](https://www.apple.com/safari/ "Safari") # High temperature - fever in children This page is about fever in children. For general information about fever, see [fever in adults](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/fever-adults/). A normal temperature is between 36 and 37.4 degrees Celsius. In children, any temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or above is considered high. High temperature is common in young children. Their temperature usually returns to normal in 3 or 4 days. A temperature above 38 degrees Celsius is usually a sign of an infection such as a cold. But it can also be due to more serious infections, so it's important to look at all your child's symptoms. ## Symptoms of a high temperature in children High temperatures are usually caused by minor illnesses. But they can be a sign of serious infections. It's important to check that your child is alert and responding to you. There is a low risk of serious illness if your child: - is content and smiling - stays awake - is taking drinks - is responding normally to people There is a high risk of serious illness if your child: - cannot be woken up or if woken, does not stay awake - has a weak or high-pitched continuous cry - has pale or blotchy skin - keeps vomiting - is grunting (making short, low sounds) if they are a baby, or breathing very fast Some of these symptoms could be signs of sepsis. [Signs of sepsis in children](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/sepsis/) ### Urgent advice: Get medical help immediately if: - you are worried that your child may be seriously ill, even if they do not have a high temperature Your child can still be sick without a high temperature. ## Checking a temperature If your child has a high temperature they might: - feel hotter than usual to touch - on their forehead, back or tummy - feel sweaty or clammy - have a flushed (reddish) appearance [How to check a child's temperature](https://www2.hse.ie/babies-children/parenting-advice/caring-for-a-child/check-temperature/#how-to-check-your-childs-temperature) ### Digital thermometers The best way to check your child's temperature is with a digital thermometer. You can buy a digital thermometer at a pharmacy, supermarket or online. The thermometer will come with instructions. Do not take your child's temperature immediately after a bath or when they're wrapped in warm clothing. You will not get an accurate result. ## Treatment for a child with a fever It's rare for a fever to be a sign of anything serious. You can usually look after your child or baby at home. The temperature should go down over 3 or 4 days. ### Do - dress your child in light cotton clothes such as pyjamas - do not underdress them or overwrap them in clothes - give your child plenty of fluids - give your child food if they want it - check on your child regularly during the night ### Don't - do not use a cool cloth or sponge to get their temperature down ### Medicines to treat a fever Use either paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce your child's temperature and to relieve any pain. Talk to your pharmacist for advice. ### Important Never give aspirin to a child under age 16, unless their GP prescribes it. Aspirin can be linked to Reye's syndrome in children. This is a very rare condition that affects the brain and liver. Start by giving your child either paracetamol or ibuprofen. If the one you started with does not fully reduce their symptoms, try giving them the other. Make sure to leave: - 4 to 6 hours between each dose of paracetamol - 6 to 8 hours between each dose of ibuprofen Do not give more than the recommended dose for your child’s weight. You can give your child paracetamol and ibuprofen if they are on an antibiotic. An antibiotic will not reduce a fever or relieve pain. If your child is taking any other prescribed medicine, check with their GP if it's OK to continue taking it. [Paracetamol for children](https://www2.hse.ie/medicines/paracetamol-for-children/) ## When to get help ### Urgent advice: Contact a GP urgently if your child: - is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or higher, or you think they have a fever - is 3 to 6 months old and has a temperature of 39 degrees Celsius or higher, or you think they have a fever - has other signs of illness, such as a rash, as well as a high temperature - has a high temperature that has lasted for more than 5 days - does not want to eat - is not their usual self and you're worried - has a high temperature that does not come down with the correct dose of paracetamol or ibuprofen - is showing signs of dehydration - such as nappies that are not very wet, sunken eyes, and no tears when they're crying - becomes more unwell after you have received advice [Find a GP](https://www2.hse.ie/services/find-a-gp/) [Find a GP out-of-hours](https://www2.hse.ie/services/find-urgent-emergency-care/) ### Emergency action required: Call 112 or 999, or go to your emergency department (ED) if your child: - has a fever you cannot control - has a stiff neck - has a rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it - is bothered by light - has a fit ([febrile seizure](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/febrile-seizures/)) for the first time - has unusually cold hands and feet - has pale, blotchy, blue or grey skin - has a weak, high-pitched cry that's not like their normal cry - is drowsy and hard to wake - finds it hard to breathe and sucks their stomach in under their ribs - has a soft spot on their head that curves outwards (bulging fontanelle) [Find an ED](https://www2.hse.ie/services/find-urgent-emergency-care/) ## Going back to school Do not send your child to school or creche if they are unwell and have a high temperature. They can return when their temperature: - goes back to normal - stays normal without taking paracetamol and ibuprofen In children, any temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or above is considered high. If your child has vomiting or diarrhoea, keep them at home until 48 hours after their last bout of [vomiting or diarrhoea](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/diarrhoea-vomiting/). [Knowing if your child is well enough to go to school or childcare](https://www2.hse.ie/babies-children/parenting-advice/caring-for-a-child/knowing-if-your-child-is-well-enough-to-go-to-school-or-childcare/) * Page last reviewed: 20 October 2025 Next review due: 20 October 2028 This project has received funding from the Government of Ireland’s Sláintecare Integration Fund 2019 under Grant Agreement Number 123. ![](https://assets.hse.ie/media/images/slaintecare_nobackground.width-320_gke68yF.png) ## HSE Live - we're here to help Monday to Friday: 8am to 8pm Saturday: 9am to 5pm Sunday: Closed Bank holidays: Closed Freephone: [1800 700 700](tel:1800700700) From outside Ireland: [00 353 1 240 8787](tel:0035312408787)** - [HSE Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/HSElive/) - [HSE Instagram](https://instagram.com/irishhealthservice) - [HSE TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@hselive) - [HSE YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoNNhGGAYkdavsSXp1iVzCg) - [HSE LinkedIn](https://ie.linkedin.com/company/health-service-executive) - [Complaints and feedback](https://www2.hse.ie/complaints-feedback/) - [Emergencies](https://www2.hse.ie/services/find-urgent-emergency-care/) - [Cookie settings](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/high-temperature/) ## Support links - [Cookie statement](https://www2.hse.ie/cookie-statement/) - [Accessibility](https://www2.hse.ie/accessibility-statement/) - [Privacy statement](https://www2.hse.ie/privacy-statement/) - [Disclaimer](https://www.hse.ie/disclaimer/) © Health Service Executive
Readable Markdown	This page is about fever in children. For general information about fever, see [fever in adults](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/fever-adults/). A normal temperature is between 36 and 37.4 degrees Celsius. In children, any temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or above is considered high. High temperature is common in young children. Their temperature usually returns to normal in 3 or 4 days. A temperature above 38 degrees Celsius is usually a sign of an infection such as a cold. But it can also be due to more serious infections, so it's important to look at all your child's symptoms. ## Symptoms of a high temperature in children High temperatures are usually caused by minor illnesses. But they can be a sign of serious infections. It's important to check that your child is alert and responding to you. There is a low risk of serious illness if your child: - is content and smiling - stays awake - is taking drinks - is responding normally to people There is a high risk of serious illness if your child: - cannot be woken up or if woken, does not stay awake - has a weak or high-pitched continuous cry - has pale or blotchy skin - keeps vomiting - is grunting (making short, low sounds) if they are a baby, or breathing very fast Some of these symptoms could be signs of sepsis. [Signs of sepsis in children](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/sepsis/) ### Urgent advice: Get medical help immediately if: - you are worried that your child may be seriously ill, even if they do not have a high temperature Your child can still be sick without a high temperature. ## Checking a temperature If your child has a high temperature they might: - feel hotter than usual to touch - on their forehead, back or tummy - feel sweaty or clammy - have a flushed (reddish) appearance [How to check a child's temperature](https://www2.hse.ie/babies-children/parenting-advice/caring-for-a-child/check-temperature/#how-to-check-your-childs-temperature) ### Digital thermometers The best way to check your child's temperature is with a digital thermometer. You can buy a digital thermometer at a pharmacy, supermarket or online. The thermometer will come with instructions. Do not take your child's temperature immediately after a bath or when they're wrapped in warm clothing. You will not get an accurate result. ## Treatment for a child with a fever It's rare for a fever to be a sign of anything serious. You can usually look after your child or baby at home. The temperature should go down over 3 or 4 days. ### Do - dress your child in light cotton clothes such as pyjamas - do not underdress them or overwrap them in clothes - give your child plenty of fluids - give your child food if they want it - check on your child regularly during the night ### Don't - do not use a cool cloth or sponge to get their temperature down ### Medicines to treat a fever Use either paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce your child's temperature and to relieve any pain. Talk to your pharmacist for advice. ### Important Never give aspirin to a child under age 16, unless their GP prescribes it. Aspirin can be linked to Reye's syndrome in children. This is a very rare condition that affects the brain and liver. Start by giving your child either paracetamol or ibuprofen. If the one you started with does not fully reduce their symptoms, try giving them the other. Make sure to leave: - 4 to 6 hours between each dose of paracetamol - 6 to 8 hours between each dose of ibuprofen Do not give more than the recommended dose for your child’s weight. You can give your child paracetamol and ibuprofen if they are on an antibiotic. An antibiotic will not reduce a fever or relieve pain. If your child is taking any other prescribed medicine, check with their GP if it's OK to continue taking it. [Paracetamol for children](https://www2.hse.ie/medicines/paracetamol-for-children/) ## When to get help ### Urgent advice: Contact a GP urgently if your child: - is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or higher, or you think they have a fever - is 3 to 6 months old and has a temperature of 39 degrees Celsius or higher, or you think they have a fever - has other signs of illness, such as a rash, as well as a high temperature - has a high temperature that has lasted for more than 5 days - does not want to eat - is not their usual self and you're worried - has a high temperature that does not come down with the correct dose of paracetamol or ibuprofen - is showing signs of dehydration - such as nappies that are not very wet, sunken eyes, and no tears when they're crying - becomes more unwell after you have received advice [Find a GP](https://www2.hse.ie/services/find-a-gp/) [Find a GP out-of-hours](https://www2.hse.ie/services/find-urgent-emergency-care/) ### Emergency action required: Call 112 or 999, or go to your emergency department (ED) if your child: - has a fever you cannot control - has a stiff neck - has a rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it - is bothered by light - has a fit ([febrile seizure](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/febrile-seizures/)) for the first time - has unusually cold hands and feet - has pale, blotchy, blue or grey skin - has a weak, high-pitched cry that's not like their normal cry - is drowsy and hard to wake - finds it hard to breathe and sucks their stomach in under their ribs - has a soft spot on their head that curves outwards (bulging fontanelle) [Find an ED](https://www2.hse.ie/services/find-urgent-emergency-care/) ## Going back to school Do not send your child to school or creche if they are unwell and have a high temperature. They can return when their temperature: - goes back to normal - stays normal without taking paracetamol and ibuprofen In children, any temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or above is considered high. If your child has vomiting or diarrhoea, keep them at home until 48 hours after their last bout of [vomiting or diarrhoea](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/diarrhoea-vomiting/). [Knowing if your child is well enough to go to school or childcare](https://www2.hse.ie/babies-children/parenting-advice/caring-for-a-child/knowing-if-your-child-is-well-enough-to-go-to-school-or-childcare/) ***
Shard	10 (laksa)
Root Hash	5514331230062789010
Unparsed URL	ie,hse!www2,/conditions/high-temperature/ s443