Fever

Fever is something that many parents worry about. It is one of the most common reasons parents bring their child to the doctor. So, what is fever? Fever is when the body temperature is greater than 100.4 F. Fever can be a good thing when it comes to an illness, as it is the body’s natural response to help fight against infections, but it can also be an important sign that you need to contact your child’s provider. The first step in managing a fever, is to check the temperature with a digital thermometer if you feel that your child is warm to touch. Knowing the exact measurement and trend of a fever will help you, and your medical provider respond to the fever appropriately. The second step in managing a fever is to make sure your child drinks lots of fluids to prevent dehydration.

The treatment of the fever will depend on your child’s age.

• If your child is less than 3 months old it is best to check the temperature in the baby’s rectum with rectal thermometer. If the temperature is >100.4 F you need to contact your child’s doctor right away or head to the nearest emergency room as children this age require immediate evaluation.
• Children greater than 3 months old require close observation when they have fever. Since fever can be a good way to fight infections we generally only give fever-reducing medications to help children feel better. Dosing of the medications is based on your child’s age and weight.  *Insert dosing chart* Tylenol (acetaminophen) can be given to children over than 2 months of age. Motrin (Ibuprofen) can be given to children 6 months and older.

Always contact your doctor if your child looks ill, has an immunodeficiency, is younger than 3 months old, has temperature greater than 104 F, seems to be getting worse, has a rash, is in pain, or has fever greater than 3 days.

If your child has a fever, it is best to keep them home until the fever has been gone for 24 hours.

Advice on Managing Fevers

Fever and Your Baby