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Fever in Kids - Should I be Worried?
What does fever mean?
Fever is how the body fights an infectious illness ~ usually a virus. It
speeds up the immune response and destroys some germs along the way!
Is it dangerous? Can it cause brain damage?
Fever itself is not dangerous. We are more concerned with what might be causing the fever. A child's appearance is often more important that the temperature reading. In the case of infants under two months of age, it is very important to call your health care provider if the baby's temperature is over 100 degrees.
Should you awaken your child to take a temperature?
NO! Sleep is more important.
Are ear thermometers accurate?
Not very! There are many ways to take a temperature and some are more accurate than others. A rectal thermometer is one of the best options. When you talk to your physician's office, make sure you specify which method you used in taking a child's temperature.
What’s the best medicine for fever?
For most kids, acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin) work equally
well. Of the two, acetaminophen is probably the safest. Be sure to follow
dosing instructions carefully. Babies under two monthss of age should not be given fever reducers without instruction by a health care provider. Never use aspirin in a child under age 18 unless directed by a health care professional.
Also give plenty of liquids and dress the child in light-weight clothes.
Why treat fever?
The only reason would be to provide comfort.
Is a child with a high fever more likely to have a serious illness?
Not necessarily, unless the child is less than three-months-old.
IF ANY OF THESE OTHER FACTORS IS ALSO PRESENT, CALL US IMMEDIATELY!
- The child looks very ill, or is unusually fussy or drowsy.
- The child has been in an extremely hot place, like a hot car.
- There are other symptoms, like a stiff neck; severe headache, sore throat, or ear pain; an unexplained rash, or repeated vomiting or diarrhea.
- Another condition is present that suppresses the immune response, like
sickle-cell disease
or a cancer, or is taking steroids. - The child has a seizure.
- Is younger than three months of age and has a rectal temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher.
