What temperature is a fever in children?
See whether the temperature you measured counts as a fever according to your country's official health source, when to get help at your child's age and the warning signs.
Measurement details
You can see the thresholds and warning signs even without entering a temperature.
What the source says
Fever (Armpit): ≥ 38 °C
Measuring method the source recommends: Armpit
This source's rules for getting help
- • under 3 months: ≥ 38 °C → call NHS 111
- • 3–6 months: ≥ 39 °C → call NHS 111
- • fever lasting 5 days or more → call NHS 111
Warning signs from the source — if you see any, get medical help straight away
- Stiff neck or neck pain
- A rash or purple-red spots on the skin
- Bothered by light
- A fit (seizure)
- Unusually cold hands and feet
- Very sleepy, hard to wake or not responding
- Crying that can't be soothed or extreme agitation
- Difficulty breathing or very fast breathing
- Not responding as usual, not interested in feeding
In an emergency: 999
This tool doesn't diagnose or give medicine doses. Your child's overall condition matters more than the number; if you're worried, see a doctor.
Thresholds and rules come from the selected country's official health source.
About this tool
What is this tool for?
It shows whether the temperature you measured counts as a fever according to the official health source of the country you choose. It lists at which temperature or after how long you should get help at your child's age, and the warning signs the source names.
How do I use it?
Choose the country, your child's age and where you measured, then enter the temperature. You can see the source's thresholds and rules even without a temperature.
How do I read the result?
Countries use different thresholds: most say 38 °C, Germany says 38.5 °C for children, and some give separate thresholds by measuring method. If the source gives no threshold for a method, the tool says so. The signs in the red box apply whatever the temperature.
Limits of this tool
It doesn't diagnose or suggest medicines or doses. It reflects the sources' general advice for parents; a doctor's assessment of your child comes first. Nothing is saved.
