Let's face it, fevers can be scary for parents. When your child is burning up, it can be hard to think straight and make important decisions. Learning what causes fevers and how to treat them will ease your anxiety and help you take control of the situation.
What causes a fever?
Everyone has their own internal "thermostat" that regulates body temperature. Normal body temperature is around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit plus or minus about one degree (37 degrees Celsius, plus or minus about 0.6 degrees). When the body detects an infection or other illness, the brain responds by raising the body temperature to help fight the condition.
A rectal temperature over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit is considered a fever. It is not always necessary for a child with a fever to see their doctor. It depends on the age of the child (see "Fever and Your Baby") and the other symptoms they have.
Managing your child's fever
A fever can't always be detected by feeling your child's forehead. It's usually necessary to take their temperature as well. Although there are numerous thermometers on the market that measure temperature in different areas, parents should use rectal thermometers with their babies for the most accurate reading. (See "How to Take a Child's Temperature" for more information.)
Once you've identified a fever, the most important things you can do is to make sure they get enough fluid, so they do not get
dehydrated. You can also help make them more comfortable. While you may instinctively want to bring your child to the doctor's office, it may not be necessary—especially if the child seems fine once their discomfort is treated.
A "
tripledemic" of respiratory viruses is making it harder to find over-the-counter children's pain and fever medications in some areas. Try not to panic if stores near you are out of stock. While fever-reducing medicines can make your child more comfortable, they do not cure illness.
Keeping fever at bay
Although
not every fever needs to be treated, there are some things you can do to help make your child more comfortable.
A fever will cause a child to lose fluids more quickly, so offer plenty of
fluids to avoid dehydration. Signs of dehydration include crying without tears, a dry mouth, and fewer wet diapers.
Do not overdress your child. A single layer of clothing is good. If your child is shivering or has the chills, give them a blanket. Make them comfortable.
Practices to reduce fevers such as an alcohol bath or ice packs and sponging, are no longer recommended. These can actually have adverse effects for your child.
Giving a child
acetaminophen or
ibuprofen will usually reduce a fever. It is important to make sure you give
the right dose to your child.
If your child is under two years of age, contact your pediatrician or pharmacist for the correct dose. For older children, follow the recommended dose on the label.
Keep your digital
thermometer ready and accessible so you don't have to search for it once your child is ill.
Have children's acetaminophen or ibuprofen
on hand.
Make sure your pediatrician's phone number is handy.
When to call the doctor
Call your child's doctor right away if your child has a fever and:
Looks very ill, is unusually drowsy or is very fussy
Has been in a very hot place, such as an
overheated car
Has other symptoms, such as a stiff neck, severe headache, severe sore throat, severe ear pain, an unexplained rash or repeated vomiting or diarrhea
Has signs of dehydration, such as a dry mouth, sunken soft spot or significantly fewer wet diapers and unable to take in fluids
Has immune system problems, such as
sickle cell disease or
cancer, or is taking steroids
Has had a
seizure
Is younger than 3 months (12 weeks) and has a temperature of 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher
Fever rises above 104°F (40°C) repeatedly for a child of any age
Also call your child's doctor if:
Your child still "acts sick" once his fever is brought down.
Your child seems to be getting worse.
The fever lasts for more than 24 hours in a child younger than 2 years.
The fever lasts for more than 3 days (72 hours) in a child 2 years of age or older.
More information