Fever is the most common reason parents call.  It usually causes more parental anxiety than it needs to.  Many parents worry the moment their child gets a fever.  A fever is merely a sign that your child may have an infection.

 

What is a fever? 

The height of the temperature to really be called a fever changes with the age of the    patient.

From birth to six weeks of age, a temperature of 100.5 or higher is considered a fever.  From six weeks to six months, a fever is a temperature of 101.0 or above.  Above six months of age, a temperature greater than 101 - 103 would be considered a fever.  The reason for these differences, is that a newborn infant's immune system is not as capable as an older child's to ward off an infection.

 

What symptoms can be caused by the fever itself?

A fever can make your child uncomfortable.  It can make their skin look flushed.  It can even make their breathing faster and their heart beat faster.  It can cause a headache.  It will cause your child to be less active.

 

What should I do? 

The first thing you should do if your child is over two months of age, is to treat them with fever reducers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin).  Refer to the dosage chart to determine the proper dose for your child, which will be based on his/her weight.  When giving fever reducers, always be sure to use the measuring device that came in the package of the medicine.  It will take 30 - 60 minutes for the medicine to have an effect.  While waiting for the medicine to kick in, try to comfort your child, give something to drink and dress them in light clothing.  Stay calm and observe your child.

 

In order to assess the degree of sickness, you must pay attention to how your child is acting.  The symptoms that accompany fever are more important than height of the fever, though it is helpful for us to know how hot they were when we are trying to determine the cause.  If the medicine begins to work and your child perks up, is alert, active and somewhat playful, it is VERY reassuring.  As long as there is no difficulty in breathing or pain, you can relax and treat the fever as needed.

If the fever lasts more than 3 - 5 days, even without any other symptoms, you should make an appointment to have your child assessed by the Doctor.  You should also make an appointment if your child has specific complaints accompanied by fever, such as ear pain, pain on urination, etc.

 

If your child has any of the following, you should call the Doctor on call:

1) Your child's fever does not improve by a degree or two with appropriate doses of      fever reducers after about an hour

2) Your child does not improve with the fever coming down

3) Difficulty breathing/labored breathing

4) Lethargy (doesn't easily wake up/less responsive)/confusion

5) Specific complaints of pain (such as abdominal pain)

6) Fever (temperature 100.5 or more) in an infant six weeks of age or younger, even without other symptoms

7) Dehydration

 

If you are worried and your child is not improving despite treating the fever, call the Doctor on call.