When a child's fever needs more than paracetamol
A fever is the body doing its job. The trick is knowing the handful of signs that turn a normal bug into a phone call.
Watch the child, not the thermometer
A child who is drinking, weeing, and settling with cuddles is usually riding it out fine — even at 39°C. How they look and behave matters more than the exact number.
The red flags worth a call
A rash that doesn't fade under a glass, fast or laboured breathing, a stiff neck, a fever in a baby under three months, drowsiness you can't rouse, or no wet nappies. Any of these: ring your GP or after-hours line now.
What we'd reach for
Weight-based paracetamol or ibuprofen for comfort, not to chase a normal temperature. We're happy to check the dose against your child's weight at the counter.