- A fever is a body temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or higher.
- Call your general practitioner immediately if your child has a fever and:
- is less than 3 months old (and the fever is not due to a vaccination)
- has a heart or lung disease or diabetes mellitus
- uses medication that weakens the immune system
- has a weaker immune system, such as a child with Down’s syndrome
- has missed a vaccination at the well-baby clinic (consultatiebureau)
- If your child has a fever, make sure to watch for other symptoms. Check on your child regularly.
- Is your child behaving differently than usual?
- Is your child drowsy, having trouble breathing or crying inconsolably? Or does your child look grey or ashen?
- Does your child have red spots that do not go away when you press on them?
- Is your child vomiting repeatedly (a few times an hour)?
- Is your child refusing to drink or not peeing (urinating) enough?
- Is your child getting sicker or getting worse?
- These are warning signs. Phone your general practitioner immediately.
- Dutch healthcare practices in general may differ from what you are used to in your home country. Learn more.
Fever (high temperature) in children
- Child with fever (high temperature)