Child's Temperature 39: What Parents Should Do in Europe

Child's Temperature 39: What Parents Should Do

High temperature in a child is one of the most common causes of panic for parents, especially if you live abroad and don't fully understand how local healthcare works. A temperature of 39°C and above requires attention but doesn't always mean an emergency.

When is temperature 39 normal?

Temperature is the body's defensive reaction to infection. At 39°C:

• The body actively fights the virus or bacteria
• The immune system works at full capacity
• Most infection pathogens die

In children, temperature rises faster and higher than in adults — this is a normal feature of a child's body.

When do you need to see a doctor urgently?

Immediate medical help is needed if:

• Child is under 3 months old — any temperature above 38°C requires a doctor's examination
• Temperature doesn't drop after fever reducers within 2-3 hours
• Seizures — child is twitching, rolling eyes, losing consciousness
• Severe lethargy — child doesn't respond to address, doesn't wake up
• Vomiting and diarrhea — risk of dehydration
• Rash that doesn't disappear when pressed
• Difficulty breathing — shortness of breath, wheezing
• Severe headache or neck pain
• Temperature persists for more than 3 days

What to do with child's temperature 39?

1. Measure temperature correctly

• With electronic thermometer under armpit
• Or infrared in ear (for children over 6 months)
• Record readings every 2-3 hours

2. Give fever reducer

Allowed for children:

• Paracetamol — from birth, every 4-6 hours
• Ibuprofen — from 3 months, every 6-8 hours

Dosage: strictly by child's weight, according to instructions!

Not allowed for children:

• Aspirin (risk of Reye's syndrome)
• Metamizole (banned in many European countries)

3. Ensure comfort

• Undress the child (don't bundle up!)
• Air the room (18-20°C)
• Give plenty of fluids in small portions
• Light clothing from natural fabrics

4. DON'T:

• ❌ Rub with alcohol or vinegar (toxic!)
• ❌ Cold baths (cause vascular spasm)
• ❌ Force feeding
• ❌ Give antibiotics without doctor's prescription

Medical help for emigrants in Europe

In Warsaw

If you're in Warsaw and don't know who to contact with a sick child:

Free help:

• 📞 103telemed Care Service — free consultation with coordinator in Russian/Ukrainian. We'll tell you where to go, how to book pediatrician through NFZ or find private doctor.

Paid consultation:

• 👨‍⚕️ Online pediatrician consultation — doctor in Russian/Ukrainian will consult online, assess child's condition, advise on medication dosage. From 139 PLN.

In Krakow

In Krakow the same services are available:

• Free healthcare system navigation
• Online consultations with Russian-speaking pediatricians
• Help with booking at public and private clinics

In Berlin

For Russian-speaking families in Berlin:

• Care Service will help find Kinderarzt (pediatrician) who accepts your insurance
• Online consultation — if you can't quickly get to doctor in person

In Paris

In France pediatricians are called "pédiatre". Our service will help:

• Understand if urgent help is needed (urgences)
• Book pediatrician through healthcare system
• Get online consultation in Russian

When can you manage at home?

Temperature 39°C without other alarming symptoms during cold is normal for first 2-3 days of illness. You can stay home if:

✅ Child drinks fluids ✅ Responds to address, plays (even if lethargic) ✅ No vomiting and severe diarrhea ✅ Temperature drops after fever reducers ✅ Child is over 3 months old

How pediatrics works in Europe

Poland (NFZ)

• Book pediatrician through e-rejestracja or by phone
• Visit izba przyjęć (emergency room) for acute conditions
• Emergency number: 112

Germany

• Book Kinderarzt through insurance
• In acute situation: Notaufnahme (emergency)
• At night/weekends: Bereitschaftsdienst (on-call service)

France

• Family doctor or pédiatre
• Emergency help: SAMU (15) or Urgences

Netherlands

• Huisarts (family doctor) — first contact
• Evening/night: Huisartsenpost (on-call service)

Don't know what to do?

Get free coordinator consultation:

• We'll assess situation and advise next step
• Help book doctor
• Explain how local healthcare works

👉 Contact care service — free, in Russian/Ukrainian

Need doctor consultation right now?

• Pediatrician online will answer questions
• Assess child's condition
• Advise on medication dosage
• Issue prescription if needed

👉 Online pediatrician consultation — from 139 PLN

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Important: this article is for informational purposes and doesn't replace doctor's consultation. If in doubt, contact pediatrician.