Fever (lagnat) is the most common reason Filipino parents rush to the ER — and most of the time, it can be safely managed at home. This complete guide tells you exactly when to worry, when to wait, and what to do right now.
The same temperature means very different things depending on your child's age. Use this guide to know exactly what to do.
Any fever in a newborn under 3 months is a medical emergency. Do not wait. Do not give medicine and monitor at home. Go now.
Fever in this age group requires same-day evaluation. If you cannot reach your doctor within 2 hours, go to the ER.
Fever with no obvious source (no cough, no runny nose) in this age group needs evaluation. Fever below 39°C with a clear cause (cold, teething) can be monitored at home.
Most fevers in this age group are viral and resolve in 3–5 days. Monitor for dengue warning signs during rainy season.
School-age children handle fever better. Focus on comfort, hydration, and monitoring for warning signs rather than the number on the thermometer.
Paracetamol (Biogesic, Tempra, Calpol)
Give 10–15 mg per kg of body weight every 4–6 hours. Do not exceed 5 doses in 24 hours. This is the first-line fever medicine for all ages.
Ibuprofen (Advil, Nurofen, Calprofen)
Give 5–10 mg per kg every 6–8 hours. Only for children 6 months and older. Do NOT give if dengue is suspected — it increases bleeding risk.
Hydration is Critical
Offer fluids every 30 minutes — water, coconut water (buko juice), diluted fruit juice, or ORS. A feverish child loses fluids rapidly. Breastfed babies should nurse more frequently.
Tepid Sponging
Use lukewarm (not cold) water to sponge the forehead, armpits, and groin. This helps reduce fever through evaporation. Never use ice water or alcohol — these cause shivering which raises temperature.
Light Clothing
Dress your child in light, breathable clothing. Do not bundle them in thick blankets — this traps heat and raises temperature further. Keep the room well-ventilated.
Rest and Monitoring
Check temperature every 2–4 hours. Keep a fever diary — note the time, temperature, and any new symptoms. This information is invaluable when you see the doctor.
From June to November, every fever in the Philippines must be evaluated for dengue (dengue fever). The key difference: dengue fever typically has NO cough and NO runny nose. If your child has fever without respiratory symptoms during rainy season, ask your doctor for an NS1 antigen test on Day 1–3 of fever.
Dengue Warning Signs (Seek ER)
What NOT to Give for Dengue
Q: What temperature is considered a fever in children?
A: A rectal temperature of 38.0°C (100.4°F) or higher is a fever. Axillary (armpit) temperature of 37.5°C or higher is also considered fever. Rectal measurement is most accurate for infants under 3 months.
Q: Should I alternate paracetamol and ibuprofen?
A: The Philippine Pediatric Society (PPS) does not recommend routine alternating of paracetamol and ibuprofen. Use one medicine at the correct dose and interval. Alternating increases the risk of dosing errors.
Q: My child's fever is 40°C but they seem fine. Should I still go to the ER?
A: If your child is alert, drinking fluids, and has no warning signs, a 40°C fever in a child over 2 years can be managed at home with paracetamol. However, if the fever does not respond to medicine or lasts more than 3 days, see a doctor.
Q: Can fever cause brain damage?
A: Fever from infection does not cause brain damage. The brain is damaged only at temperatures above 41.7°C (107°F), which is extremely rare in children. Febrile seizures, while frightening, do not cause brain damage in the vast majority of cases.
Q: My child had a febrile seizure. What do I do?
A: Stay calm. Place the child on their side on a flat surface. Do not put anything in their mouth. Time the seizure. If it lasts more than 5 minutes or the child does not recover normally, call 911 or go to the ER immediately.
Q: Is it dengue or just a regular fever?
A: Dengue fever typically has no cough or runny nose. It often causes severe headache, pain behind the eyes, and muscle/joint pain. During rainy season (June–November), any fever without respiratory symptoms should be evaluated for dengue with an NS1 test.
Q: Can I give aspirin for my child's fever?
A: Never give aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) to children under 18 years. Aspirin is associated with Reye's syndrome, a rare but life-threatening condition. Use paracetamol or ibuprofen instead.
Q: How do I take my baby's temperature correctly?
A: For infants under 3 months, rectal temperature is most accurate. For older children, axillary (armpit) or tympanic (ear) thermometers are acceptable. Digital thermometers are recommended — mercury thermometers are no longer recommended due to safety concerns.
Q: My child's fever keeps coming back after the medicine wears off. Is this normal?
A: Yes. Paracetamol and ibuprofen reduce fever temporarily — they do not treat the underlying cause. Fever will return as the medicine wears off. This is normal and does not mean the medicine is not working.
Q: When should I go to the barangay health center vs a private clinic vs the ER?
A: Barangay Health Center: mild fever in a child over 2 years, no warning signs, daytime hours. Private clinic: fever lasting more than 3 days, or you want a doctor's assessment. ER: any warning sign listed above, fever in a baby under 3 months, or you are very worried.
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