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Published on: 7/21/2026
How should fever with seizures be managed in children?
Fever seizures in children, also called febrile seizures, are usually not serious and most children recover fully without lasting effects. They typically occur in kids between 6 months and 5 years old when a fever rises quickly. While frightening to witness, these seizures usually last less than 5 minutes. Parents should keep the child safe by laying them on their side on a flat surface, clearing the area of hard objects, and never placing anything in their mouth. Call 911 if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, if breathing becomes difficult, or if the child does not wake up afterward. Any child who has a febrile seizure should be evaluated by a doctor to rule out serious causes like infection.
Because symptoms in children can overlap and vary widely, it can be difficult to know whether a fever and seizure point to something minor or something that needs urgent care. Taking a few minutes to complete a free, instant, online symptom check can help you clarify what may be going on, understand possible causes, and decide on the right next steps, whether that's monitoring at home, scheduling a doctor's visit, or seeking emergency care.
Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026
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Febrile seizures are common in children and usually occur when they have a fever. Most of the time, these seizures are not dangerous and do not cause long-term problems. However, it's important for parents to know what to do when it happens.
Steps to Manage Febrile Seizures:
- Stay Calm: It's important for parents to stay calm during the seizure.
- Keep the Child Safe: Make sure the child is in a safe place where they can't hurt themselves. Move any hard or sharp objects away from them.
- Don't Hold the Child Down: Let the seizure run its course without trying to hold the child down.
- Call for Help if Needed: Most seizures stop on their own in a few minutes. If it lasts longer than 5 minutes, call for medical help.
- See a Doctor: After the seizure, it is a good idea to have the child checked by a doctor to make sure everything is okay.
Parents should remember that febrile seizures are usually not a sign of a serious health problem. However, if you're concerned about your child's symptoms or want to better understand what might be causing their fever, you can use Ubie's free AI symptom checker before consulting with a healthcare provider to ensure proper care and peace of mind.
(References)
Smith DK, Sadler KP, & Benedum M. (2019). Febrile Seizures: Risks, Evaluation, and Prognosis. American family physician, 30932454.
Rosman NP. (2003). Evaluation of the child who convulses with fever. Paediatric drugs, 12837118.
Corsello A, Marangoni MB, Macchi M, Cozzi L, Agostoni C, Milani GP, & Dilena R. (2024). Febrile Seizures: A Systematic Review of Different Guidelines. Pediatric neurology, 38653182.
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