If your child is younger than2 months old and has a fever call us immediately.
Fever is a temperature of 100.4°F (taken rectally) or greater. Fever causes no harm and can actually be a good thing—it’s the body’s way of “turning up the thermostat” to fight illness. Children with fevers may become more uncomfortable as the temperature rises. Your child may seem fussy, not as hungry, and not as active as usual.
It is important to take your child’s temperature if you suspect fever. Even though he may feel like he’s “burning up”, his actual body temperature may not be that high. Digital thermometers usually are the fastest and most accurate way to take a temperature. The most accurate way to take a temperature for younger children (under 4 years) is rectally. Children over 4 years old should be cooperative enough for an oral temperature, under the tongue. If these are not options, temperature taken under the armpit is acceptable. Electronic ear thermometers, pacifier thermometers, and forehead strips are not accurate.
Not all fevers need to be treated. The height (degree) of fever does not tell you how sick your child is. If he is drinking well, still interested in play, or is alert and smiling at you, he may not require medicine. Base your treatment on your child's behavior rather than on the temperature. Treating your child's fever will not help the body get rid of the infection any quicker, it simply will relieve discomfort associated with fever.
You may administer anti-fever medications such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Motrin (ibuprofen.) Use the charts below or the package instructions for appropriate doses. Do NOT give your child aspirin, as it has been linked to a serious, potentially fatal disease, called Reye Syndrome. Other useful ways to reduce fever include dressing your child in lighter clothing, encouraging plenty of fluids, applying a cool washcloth over the forehead or placing your child in a warm tub bath (see instructions below.)
Acetaminophen may be given to children over 2 months-old every 4-6 hours.
Ibuprofen may be given to children over 6 months-old every 6-8 hours.
Place your child in the bath tub with warm water up to her waist. Begin cupping water over her head and shoulders. Cool the water down by adding cold water to the tub until your child shivers, then immediately warm the water just a hair so that she stops shivering. Continue cupping water over your child for 15-20 minutes. If she begins to shiver warm up the water a little bit until she stops shivering. Remove her from the tub, dry her off, and recheck her temperature. If her temperature is not below 102°F either she was shivering too much or the water was too warm. Repeat the warm tub bath. If the temperature is down, dress your child with just enough clothes so she doesn't shiver.
You may repeat the warm tub bath as frequently as needed. Remember you are only treating the symptoms not the underlying cause of the fever; don't be surprised when the temperature goes back up again.
Your child is less than 2 months old and has a fever.
Fever is over 105°F.
Your child is crying inconsolably.
Your child is difficult to awaken.
Your child's neck is stiff.
Your child has a seizure or convulsion.
Any purple spots are present on the skin.
Breathing is difficult and no better after you clear the nose.
Your child is unable to swallow anything and is drooling saliva.
Your child acts or looks very sick.
Fever is between 104°F and 105°F (especially if less than 2 years-old.)
