Fever in Children – When to See a Pediatrician
Assessment of fever and other symptoms in children, with treatment decisions based on the child’s age, examination and clinical condition.
Fever is a symptom, not a diagnosis
Fever is the body’s response to an infection or other illness. Most fevers in children are caused by common viral infections, but fever can also be a sign of an infection that needs specific treatment. What matters most is your child’s age, how unwell they look and what other symptoms are present.
Dr. Ajay Bajpai assesses the whole child — not just the temperature — to decide what care is needed and what you should watch for at home.
How Dr. Bajpai can help
- Assessment of fever with cough, cold or sore throat
- Fever with vomiting, diarrhoea or tummy pain
- Ear, throat, chest and urinary infections
- Seasonal fevers common in Kanpur
- Advice on fluids, rest and safe fever care
- Follow-up when fever does not settle
Caring for a child with fever
Keep your child comfortable, offer fluids frequently and let them rest. Use only medicines and doses advised by a doctor for your child’s age and weight. Do not give medicines meant for adults, and do not start antibiotics without a medical assessment.
When to seek medical advice
- Any fever in a baby under 3 months old
- Fever lasting more than two to three days
- Your child is drinking much less or passing less urine
- Fever with a rash, severe headache or stiff neck
- Fever with ear pain, painful urination or persistent vomiting
- Your child looks unwell even when the fever comes down
Emergency warning signs
Seek emergency care immediately if a child with fever has a seizure, difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips, a rash that does not fade on pressing, or is very drowsy and hard to wake.
Frequently asked questions
Can I consult a pediatrician for my child's fever?
Yes. A pediatrician can assess the child's age, symptoms, medical history and examination findings to decide the appropriate care. Seek urgent assessment for serious symptoms, particularly in young infants.
Should I give antibiotics for fever?
Antibiotics treat bacterial infections only and should be used only when prescribed after a medical assessment.
How high a fever is dangerous?
How unwell your child seems is often more important than the number on the thermometer. Any fever in a young baby, or fever with warning signs, needs prompt medical attention.
This page provides general information for parents and does not replace an individual medical consultation. Service availability should be confirmed with Royal Children’s Hospital.
Pediatric services
Dr. Ajay Bajpai
MBBS, DCH · Pediatrician
Royal Children’s Hospital, Kidwai Nagar, Kanpur
Book an Appointment Enquiry
Booking a visit is simple: call the hospital or send the enquiry form. The team will help you with available consultation timings for Dr. Ajay Bajpai and the right department for your child’s needs.
Please call ahead to confirm consultation timings and doctor availability. For emergencies, contact the hospital directly or go to the nearest emergency department.
Appointment enquiry form
Fill in a few details and the hospital team will call you back to confirm a time.