Why won't my child's fever go down with medicine?

Paracetamol and ibuprofen usually bring a temperature down somewhat and make a child more comfortable, but they don't always bring it back to normal, and the fever often returns as the dose wears off. That on its own isn't a sign of a serious illness. The fever is the body fighting an infection. What matters more is how your child looks and behaves: if they perk up, drink and play between doses, that's reassuring.

Can I give paracetamol and ibuprofen together?

The NHS advises not to give both at the same time. If one hasn't helped, you can ask a pharmacist or doctor whether to try the other before the next dose is due. Always follow the dose on the packet for your child's age or weight, use the measuring syringe or spoon that comes with it, and keep a note of what you gave and when so you don't double up.

How long is too long for a child to have a fever?

The NHS advises seeing a doctor if your child's fever lasts 5 days or more. See a doctor sooner if your child seems to be getting worse, isn't drinking, or you're worried. A baby under 3 months with a temperature of 38°C or higher should be seen urgently, even if they seem well.

What temperature is an emergency for a child?

For a baby under 3 months, 38°C or higher needs urgent medical attention. For a baby aged 3 to 6 months, 39°C or higher needs a doctor the same day. For older children, the number matters less than the signs: a rash that doesn't fade when you press a glass on it, being floppy or hard to wake, struggling to breathe, or a seizure mean call 911, whatever the thermometer says.

Should I put my child in a cold bath to bring the fever down?

No. The NHS advises against sponging a child with cold water or putting them in a cold bath, because it can make them shiver and feel worse. Dress them in light clothing, keep the room comfortable, offer plenty of fluids, and let them rest. Don't wrap them up in heavy blankets either.

Can I bring my child to Emergency Plus at night for a fever?

Yes. Emergency Plus in Dabouq, west Amman has emergency doctors on site 24/7 and you can walk in with your child without an appointment. The doctor will examine your child and may request tests from the on-site laboratory or an X-ray if needed. If your child has a rash that doesn't fade, is struggling to breathe, is unresponsive or is having a seizure, call 911.

Child's Fever Won't Go Down? When to Go to the ER

You gave the medicine, waited an hour, and the thermometer still says 39. It's one of the most worrying moments for parents, especially at night. The good news is that a fever that won't fully come down is common and isn't, on its own, a sign of serious illness. This guide explains why it happens, what to watch instead of the number, and when you need the ER. For temperature thresholds by age, see child fever: what temperature is too high?.

Why won't my child's fever come down with paracetamol or ibuprofen?

Fever is part of the body's defence against infection, and most are caused by viruses that clear up on their own. Fever medicines ease discomfort and bring the temperature down a little, but they don't stop the infection, so the fever rises again as the dose wears off. The NHS is clear that the goal of medicine is a more comfortable child, not a normal number. Other reasons it may seem not to work:

The dose is too low for your child's weight or age: always follow the packet and use the syringe provided.
The temperature was checked too soon after the dose, before it had time to work.
Your child vomited shortly after taking it.
Your child is bundled up in too many clothes or blankets.

The NHS advises not to give paracetamol and ibuprofen at the same time. If one hasn't helped, ask a pharmacist or doctor whether you can try the other before the next dose is due, and never go over the daily dose on the packet. If you've given too much by mistake, read what happens if you take too much paracetamol and get help straight away.

What matters more than the number?

NICE guidance asks doctors to assess a feverish child by signs such as skin colour, how active and responsive they are, their breathing and how much they're drinking, not by temperature alone. In practice, ask yourself between doses:

Does my child smile, play or respond to me, even a little, when the fever dips?
Are they drinking, and are they wetting nappies or going to the toilet roughly as usual?
Is their breathing calm, without panting, grunting or the skin pulling in between the ribs?
Is their colour normal, not very pale, blotchy or bluish?

If the answer to all of these is yes, home care with close watching is usually enough. If any answer is no, your child needs a doctor.

Fever that won't come down: home, doctor or ER?

Situation	What you notice	What it means	What to do
Fever comes down a little, child perks up	Still warm, but playing, drinking and alert between doses	Medicine is doing its job; the aim is comfort, not a normal number	Usually fine at home. Fluids, rest, watch for changes
Fever stays high, child still miserable	Not interested in play, drinking less, sleepier than usual	Needs a closer look to find the cause	See a doctor or urgent care the same day
Fever for 5 days or more	Any temperature that keeps coming back day after day	NHS and NICE advise a medical review at this point	See a doctor the same day
Fever with red-flag signs	Rash that doesn't fade, floppy, hard to wake, struggling to breathe, seizure	Could be a serious infection such as meningitis or sepsis	Call 911 or go to the ER now

When should you go to the ER for a child's fever?

Call 911 or go to the ER now if:

A rash that doesn't fade when you press a glass against it.
Your child is floppy, hard to wake, or not responding as usual.
Struggling to breathe, grunting, or the skin sucking in between the ribs.
Very pale, blotchy, blue or grey skin, lips or tongue.
A seizure or fit, especially a first one or one lasting more than 5 minutes.
A stiff neck, discomfort with bright light, or unusual crying that won't settle.
A baby under 3 months with a temperature of 38°C or higher.
Signs of dehydration: no wet nappy for many hours, a very dry mouth, or no tears when crying.

See a doctor the same day if:

A baby aged 3 to 6 months with a temperature of 39°C or higher.
The fever has lasted 5 days or more.
Your child is drinking much less than usual, or refusing feeds.
They stay listless and flat even when the fever dips.
A new symptom appears: earache, pain when peeing, or a worsening cough.
You feel something isn't right. A parent's instinct counts.

Usually fine at home if:

Your child is over 6 months, drinking, and responsive and playful when the fever dips.
The fever has lasted less than 5 days, with none of the signs in the lists above.
You keep checking on them, including during the night.

How do you care for a child whose fever won't come down?

Offer plenty of fluids: breast milk, formula or water, in small, frequent sips.
Dress them lightly, don't bundle them in blankets, and keep the room comfortable.
Don't sponge them with cold water or put them in a cold bath; it can make them feel worse.
Give medicine as the packet says for their age or weight, and write down the time and dose.
Check on them during the night, and look for any rash.

Many parents first find us through our most-read guide, can vaping cause chest pain?. If anyone at home smokes or vapes, keep it away from a sick child, as smoke and vapour can make a cough worse.

What happens when you come to Emergency Plus?

At the emergency department at Emergency Plus in Dabouq, emergency doctors are on site 24/7 and you can walk in with your child without an appointment. Your child is triaged on arrival, then the doctor asks how long the fever has lasted and what medicine you gave and when, examines your child fully, and may request tests from the on-site laboratory or an X-ray if needed. Bring the medicine box and your dose notes. The team will explain the right next step for your child.

Worried about your child's fever right now?

For a rash that doesn't fade, struggling to breathe, a seizure or an unresponsive child, call 911. If symptoms are milder but you're worried, the emergency department at Emergency Plus in Dabouq, Amman is open 24/7 with no appointment, with an Arabic and English speaking team.

Call our 24/7 ER: +962 79 247 1313

Sources

Medical disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you think you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately. Emergency Plus in Dabouq, Amman is open 24/7 — +962 79 247 1313.