What does unexplained fever feel like with childhood cancer?

A child may complain of feeling cold before becoming hot, sweat during sleep, lose interest in play, eat less, or become irritable. Younger children may simply sleep more, cry differently, or seem quieter than usual. In childhood cancer, fever can be linked to infection, treatment effects, or the illness itself; the sensation alone cannot show which explanation applies. Check the temperature rather than relying on a warm forehead.

Take the child's temperature using the method recommended by the paediatric team and note the time, reading, behaviour, fluids, and medicines given. Call the cancer team using the agreed number and follow their instructions. Offer small, frequent drinks if the child can swallow comfortably, and avoid giving medicines that were not approved for this child. Keep the child away from people who are unwell while awaiting advice.

Use the fever threshold and action plan supplied by the child's team; do not wait for the fever to become dramatic. Seek emergency help for breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, unusual sleepiness, confusion, seizure, collapse, severe pain, repeated vomiting, or inability to drink. A child receiving cancer treatment can need rapid assessment even when fever is the only noticeable change.

Ask which thermometer and temperature method to use, what reading requires immediate action, and where to attend overnight. Clarify which fever medicines are allowed and what changes in behaviour should prompt a call.