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Fever (Children) in Japan: What to do (and when to call 119)

Last updated: 2026-03-03

TL;DR (30-second decision)

  • Call 119 now if your child has trouble breathing, is hard to wake, has a seizure, looks dangerously weak, or you feel it’s an emergency.
  • If your baby is under 3 months old and has 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, seek urgent medical care (do not “wait and see”).
  • At night/holidays, if you’re unsure what to do, call #8000 (pediatric telephone consultation; availability/hours vary by area).
  • If your child has fever/cold-like symptoms, many clinics ask you to call ahead before visiting. Bring a mask.

When to call 119 (red flags)

Call 119 immediately if your child:

  • Has trouble breathing, blue lips, severe wheezing
  • Is unconscious, extremely drowsy, or not responding normally
  • Has a seizure (especially if it lasts several minutes or repeats)
  • Has stiff neck, severe headache, or a rapidly spreading rash
  • Has signs of severe dehydration (cannot keep fluids down, very little urine)
  • Looks rapidly worsening, or you feel “something is seriously wrong”

(This page is general guidance, not medical diagnosis.)

What you can do right now at home

Focus less on the number and more on the child’s overall condition:

  • Fluids: offer small sips frequently (water, oral rehydration drinks).
  • Rest and keep the room comfortably cool.
  • Note when the fever started, the highest temperature, and other symptoms.
  • If your child seems comfortable and is drinking, you often do not need to give fever medicine just to lower the number.

Fever medicine for children in Japan (very important)

If you use an antipyretic for a child with fever, Japanese pediatric emergency guidance recommends acetaminophen (paracetamol).

Avoid “adult” fever medicines for children

  • Do not give adult OTC NSAIDs to children. For example, Loxonin S (loxoprofen) is a common OTC NSAID in Japan, but the product information states children under 15 years old should not take it.
  • Do not give aspirin (salicylates) to children under 16 unless a doctor specifically tells you to (risk linked to Reye’s syndrome).

Practical rule: If you are not sure what is safe for your child, choose acetaminophen and ask a pharmacist or a pediatrician.

(Always follow the package label for age/weight restrictions. Do not combine multiple cold/flu products without checking ingredients.)

When you should see a pediatrician (even if it’s not “119” urgent)

Seek medical care soon if:

  • Fever lasts several days or keeps returning
  • Your child is not drinking, vomiting repeatedly, or has very little urine
  • Your child looks unusually sleepy, exhausted, or “not themselves”
  • Your baby is under 3 months old with 38°C or higher

How to visit a clinic/hospital in Japan when your child has fever

In Japan, fever/cold symptoms often require phone contact before visiting (infection-control rules may apply).

  • Call ahead and follow instructions (some clinics may ask you to wait outside or use a separate entrance).
  • Bring a mask (many medical facilities request it).

What to say (simple English)

Calling a pediatric clinic

“Hello. My child has a fever.
The temperature is [39.0]°C and it started [yesterday].
They also have [cough / vomiting / rash].
Can we visit today? Do we need an appointment?”

If you call #8000

“My child is [age]. They have a fever of [ ]°C.
It started [ ] hours ago.
They are [drinking / not drinking] and [urinating / not urinating].
Should we go to a hospital now?”

FAQ

Q. What is #8000?

#8000 is a pediatric telephone consultation line in many areas, especially useful at night/holidays when you’re unsure what to do next. Hours and details vary by region.

Q. My baby is under 3 months old and has 38°C or higher. What should I do?

Seek urgent medical care. This is treated as a higher-risk situation.

Q. Can I give Loxonin (loxoprofen) to a child?

Common OTC Loxonin S is labeled not for children under 15. Do not use adult OTC NSAIDs for children.

Is aspirin OK for fever in children?

No—avoid aspirin/salicylates in children under 16 unless prescribed by a doctor.

Q. Do I need to call ahead before visiting a clinic with fever?

Often, yes. Japanese guidance recommends contacting a clinic by phone before visiting for fever/symptoms (except emergencies).

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