What do I do about my child's fever?
Fever is one of the most common signs of illness in childhood. It is also one that causes much concern among parents. There are a few things about fever that we would like you to know that may help when responding to fever.
First and foremost, a fever is a symptom and generally will not harm your child (a fever of 106 degrees is a problem that requires immediate attention).
- Fever itself does not cause brain damage.
- Fever will not keep rising indefinitely.
- The height of the fever does not indicate how sick your child is.
- If the fever is rising, it does not mean your child is getting sicker.
- By the time you know that your child is sick, the brain knows and has relaxed, making seizures unlikely.
IF your child is less then 2 months of age and has a rectal temperature above 100.4 ñ it is an emergency and needs to be seen in the Emergency room.
The most important thing is to look at your child, not at the thermometer! If your child is a alert, interacting with you, able to drink (even at a diminished amount) and not acting sick (limp and lethargic) then they are probably fine.
When children have fevers and are sick, they do not feel well. Mild listlessness, irritability and ìnot acting themselvesî is normal but it is important that your child keep up his fluid intake while running a fever. As long as the fever comes down with Tylenol/motrin and they areacting 75% of normal it is not an emergency.
You may treat your child with acetaminophen or ibuprofen as appropriate, but this is mainly for comfort. Do not be concerned if they will not take it! These medications are available in liquid, chewable, capsule or suppository form.
There are a few signs that can be worrisome in a child that may accompany a fever. Please contact our office if you observe any of these:
- Persistent vomiting
- A rash that looks like tiny red freckles
- Extreme listlessness (like a wet noodle!)
- Persistent, copious diarrhea
- Unusual or severe pain
- Fever lasting over 48 hours
Check here for the dosing schedule of Tylenol.
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