My child suddenly has a fever, should we go to the hospital right now?
If your child develops a fever, it’s completely normal to feel anxious. This article explains what to check before going to the clinic, how to care at home, when to seek medical attention, and what to bring with you. Designed for families living in Japan, especially those raising children across languages.
1. What to Check Before Going to the Hospital
Fever is often a sign that the body is fighting an infection. Before deciding to visit a clinic or ER, check your child’s overall condition.
Check the following:
🌡 Temperature
Measure with a thermometer. In Japan, 37.5°C or higher is generally considered a fever. Log the value and time every time you measure.
🕐 Duration
When did the fever start? What was the highest temperature today?
🍵 Hydration / Urination
Can they drink normally? Did they urinate in the last 6–8 hours?
😊 Alertness
Are they responding to your voice, trying to play, or making eye contact?
💤 Breathing & Sleep
Is there unusual drowsiness or fast / effortful breathing?
If your child is alert, drinking well, and the fever is below 38.0°C, short-term home monitoring is often reasonable.
2. How to Care at Home
These simple steps help keep your child comfortable while you monitor their condition:
Fluids first
Offer small sips every 5–10 minutes of ORS (経口補水液). If not available, water or tea is fine.
Clothing & room temperature
Use light clothing. Keep the room around 22–24°C.
Avoid overdressing or chilling.
Cooling
Place a cool towel on the forehead, underarms, or neck.
Do not apply ice directly to skin. Stop cooling if they start shivering.
Medicine
Use fever reducers only as instructed by your doctor or the label.
Never alternate medications without guidance.
Food
Do not force them to eat. Offer small, soft foods such as rice porridge, jelly, or soft noodles.
Write down temperatures and key symptoms every few hours.
3. When to See a Doctor
Below is a simple emergency table to help you decide. Availability of #8000 and #7119 varies by region.
If you cannot get through or feel unsure, call 119.
| Symptoms | Who to contact |
|---|---|
| Under 3 months with fever ≥ 38.0°C | 119 / ER |
| Very sleepy / not responding | 119 |
| Trouble breathing / breathing fast | #7119 / 119 |
| Seizure / turns pale or blue | 119 |
| Cannot drink / no urine ≥ 6 hours | #7119 / after-hours clinic |
| Fever ≥ 3 days / worsening condition | Pediatric clinic / #7119 |
| Weekday daytime | Nights / Weekends / Holidays |
|---|---|
|
1) Pediatric clinic (family doctor) 2) If unsure: #7119 (emergency guidance) 3) Emergencies: 119 |
1) #8000 pediatric advice 2) #7119 to find where to go 3) After-hours / holiday clinic 4) Emergencies: 119 |
4. What to Bring to the Clinic
Hospitals and clinics in Japan often require the following items:
- Health insurance card（保険証）
- Child medical certificate（医療証）
- Maternal and Child Health Handbook（母子健康手帳）
- Cash (some clinics do not accept credit cards)
- Water, small towel, and a symptom/temperature memo
- A translation app if you’re worried about communication
Keep these together as your “Medical Go Bag.”
5. Useful Phrases & Next Step
Here are simple phrases you can use during your visit:
The fever started last night.
→ 昨日の夜から熱があります。
She is not drinking much water.
→ 水分があまりとれていません。
He vomited twice today.
→ 今日、2回吐きました。
He is very sleepy and not responding normally.
→ とても眠そうで、反応が弱いです。
If you want to feel more prepared for future fevers, here’s your next step!
- Download our full Fever Guide (printable)
- Save the emergency contacts
- Keep a simple symptom tracker ready at home
Useful Links (Official & Trusted)
- Kodomono – Child Symptom Checker (Japan Pediatric Society)
Check if your child’s symptoms need urgent care. Available in EN / JP / CN. - #8000 Pediatric Emergency Telephone Consultation (MHLW)
Night / weekend phone advice from pediatric nurses or doctor. - Maternal & Child Health Interpreter Consultation (SHARE)
Multilingual support for communicating at clinics and hospitals. - AMDA Medical Information Center
Helps you find clinics and hospitals with foreign-language support
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