What If My Child Has A Fever?
July 24th, 2009. Published under Health. No Comments.
Parents need to know what fevers will run their course, and how to make a child with fever more comfortable. A common, and important, question is, “How high do I let my child’s fever get before I should get concerned?”
Most fevers are not cause for concern. Most pediatricians consider any thermometer reading above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) a sign of fever. If your child has a fever it is probably a sign he or she is fighting a bacterial or viral infection. Fevers do not harm your child and may help your child fight the infection. Fever is a good sign that your child’s immune system is working and the body is trying to rid itself of the infection. If your child has a fever, you may notice his or her heart rate will naturally speed up. She may appear flushed and perspire more than usual.
While most fevers do not require a visit to the pediatrician or ER, there are certain circumstances when a fever could indicate something serious:
-Child looks very ill, is unusually drowsy or very fussy.
-Child has been in an extremely hot place, such as an overheated car.
-There are additional symptoms, such as stiff neck, severe headache, severe sore throat, severe ear pain, unexplained rash, repeated vomiting, or diarrhea.
-Child has a seizure.
-Child is younger than 3 months of age and has a rectal temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher.
How do I do to treat my child’s fever at home?
A child who is older than 6 months and has a temperature below 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) probably does not need to be seen or treated for the fever. Observe her behavior. If your child is eating and sleeping well, you can wait to see if the fever improves by itself. You can do the following to make them more comfortable:
-Keep their room comfortably cool.
-Dress in light clothing.
-Encourage them to drink fluids, such as water, diluted fruit juices, or commercially prepared oral electrolyte solution.
-Do not let her overexert herself
You can also give your child some over the counter medication to reduce the fever. Both acetaminophen and ibuprofen are safe and effective. The proper dosage must be given. Weigh your child and ask the pharmacist for assistance in dosing the medication. You may also sponge your child with lukewarm water. Do not use cold water or rubbing alcohol.
Ibuprofen should only be used in children over 6 months of age. It should not be given to children who are vomiting constantly or dehydrated. Do not use aspirin. Aspirin has been linked to stomach bleeding and more seriously, Reyes syndrome.
Call your pediatrician or bring to the ER if your child still “acts sick” once the fever is brought down, or if you feel that your child is very sick. Also, call if the fever has been more than 24 hours in a child younger than 2 years of age or more than three days in a child 2 years of age or older.
*This information is intended for educational purposes only and not for definitive diagnosis or care. Always consult your doctor for health related problems.
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