More than just temperature: What fever means for your child's well-being

Globally, fever remains one of the top five symptoms prompting visits to paediatric health facilities. [Courtesy]

Few things cause as much worry for parents as a child with a fever. The flushed cheeks, warm forehead and droopy eyes often send caregivers into a spiral of concern. Although fevers can seem alarming, they are usually the body's natural way of fighting off infection.

"Fever is not an illness in itself but a sign that the immune system is working to protect the body," says Meichi Quek, a general paediatrician at Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi. "It's a common reason why parents bring children to hospital, but in most cases, it's not a cause for panic."