FEVER
Fever means that the body temperature is higher than normal. The average normal body temperature is 98.6 F. Most people agree that a fever is a rectal temperature greater than 100.4 F or an oral temperature greater than 99.5 F. Temperatures below no
rmal are usually not worrisome unless they occur in very young babies.
Fever itself is not an illness but is a sign that the body is fighting an infection. Fever itself is generally beneficial and not harmful to a child. Fever alone never causes brain damage unless the fever is very high (over 106 or 107 F).
Although fever doesn't cause damage, it can make a child
uncomfortable. The usual reason for trying to lower a child's fever is to
make him or her more comfortable. If your child is uncomfortable with a fever, you will generally see him or her act much better after you have cooled him or her down. We recommend the following when your
child has a fever:
- Always check temperature with a thermometer. Feeling the forehead for a skin temperature is not a reliable indicator of fever. In babies, check the temperature rectally. Ear thermometers are not accurate in babies. In older children, check the temperature by mouth or under the arm. Temperature strips applied to the forehead are not accurate.
- Call our office immediately for any temperature greater than 100.4 F rectally in a baby under three months old.
- Call our office if the fever is associated with seizures, neck pain, rash, difficulty breathing, inconsolable persistent crying, difficulty arousing your child, or if you are unsure if your child should see a doctor.
- Dress your child lightly.
- Encourage your child to drink extra fluids.
- If your child is over three months old, you may give acetaminophen (Tylenol®, Tempra®, Panadol®) every four hours, or ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) every six hours when he or she has a fever and seems uncomfortable. If your child seems comfortable and is sleeping well, do not feel that you must disturb him or her to give medication.
- If your child is taking antibiotics for a bacterial infection (ear infection, Strep throat, pneumonia) it is fine to use acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever or pain along with the antibiotic.
For dosing information, click acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Fever can be frightening in a child. If you have any questions or concerns, please call our office to discuss them.
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