Fever in children

Our normal body temperature is between 36.5C and 37.5C. The body’s temperature is usually a little lower in the morning and a little higher in the evening. The body temperature can also fluctuate as kids play, run around and exercise.

The body has a thermostat that regulates our body temperature. Fever occurs when the body’s internal “thermostat” raises the body temperature above its normal level. This thermostat is found in the part of the brain called hypothalamus. 

Researchers believe that turning up the heat is the body’s way of fighting the germs that cause infections and making the body less comfortable for them. That is why many doctors think that fever is a good thing as it means that your body’s immune system is fighting the infection or other illnesses.

Confirmation of fever in children

Use a reliable thermometer to confirm a fever (which is when a child’s temperature is at or above one of these levels):

38C measured rectally (in the bottom)

37.5C measured orally (in the mouth)

37C measured in an axillary position (under the arm)

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The life of a mum: kids, fever and cough oh well, that's life isn't it? There are days of ups and downs Let's just enjoy the ride So the daughter has got another bout of coughs, this time like every other time, we don't know how and where she caught it from.. Last evening she was a little cranky pants, checked that she had a slight fever at 37.6 degrees (10pm before bedtime). I didn't want to administer fever medication straight away, so we stuck on the Smarttemp and turned on the App on my phone to set the alarm to ring if her temp went above 38.5. We all went to sleep, and as you can see, her fever did not go up, alarm did not ring and we all managed to get a good night's sleep and awoke fresh for a new day! If not for the Smarttemp, I would have had to set my alarm clock to ring every few hours through the night to wake up and take her temperature! Thank you Smarttemp! You are indeed a "sleep-saver"!

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