What is a Fever?
Fever is generally defined as a temperature inside the body of 100.4 or
more. Normal childhood temperatures range from 97 - 100 F and 98.6 F is
considered the average.
The impression that your child has a fever because he feels hot is
probably more accurate than we used to think but if you're going to call the
doctor, please use a thermometer. The most accurate methods for measuring are
oral, rectal, or ear thermometers (used in the appropriate places!). Axillary
(armpit) or forehead thermometers are OK but can be misleading so we discourage
your using them if you're truly concerned about a fever.
What causes a fever?
Though having a fever is indeed a sign of infection, fever is not, in
and of itself, an illness! Fever is actually one of the body's many ways of
helping to fight infection. It helps make the immune system work more
efficiently and even interferes with how germs multiply, all of which helps
your child to recover more quickly. In short, fever is good for the home team,
bad for the visitor!
A few more points worth noting: Fevers
caused by infection do not cause brain damage. Perhaps the most frightening
consequence of fever is a seizure. The vast majority of these will occur
between 6 months and 5 years of age, last less than 5 minutes and are harmless
to the child.
How should I treat my child?
Remember
that fever is not the enemy and helps fight the infection. If your child is
obviously uncomfortable, consider the following options:
- Remove excess clothing to only t-shirt and diaper or
underwear.
- Offer cold liquids, ice chips or popsicles.
- Give acetaminophen * (Tylenol) to children 3 months and older or
ibuprofen (Motrin) for children 6 months of age or older.
Dosing Chart for Acetaminophen
| WEIGHT |
AGE (MONTHS) |
DOSE (mL) |
CHEWABLE TABLETS |
| 6-11
lbs. |
over
2 months |
1.25 mL
|
--- |
| 12
- 17 lbs |
4-11
months |
2.5
mL |
--- |
| 18
- 23 lbs |
12-23
months |
3.75
mL |
--- |
| 24
- 35 lbs |
24-36
months |
5
mL |
--- |
Dosing Chart for Ibuprofen
| 6 MONTHS OR OLDER |
DROPS |
LIQUID |
CHEWABLE TABLETS |
| 12
- 17 lbs |
1.25
ml |
½
tsp |
--- |
| 18
- 23 lbs |
1.875
ml |
¾
tsp |
--- |
| 24
- 35 lbs |
2.5
ml |
1
tsp |
1
tablet |
| 36
- 47 lbs |
--- |
1 ½
tsp |
1 ½
tablets |
Sponging is an option
if high fever persists. Of course, remove all clothing first and use warm
(skin temperature) water, as cool water can cause shivering which defeats the
purpose of the bath. Never use alcohol to sponge bathe as this can be
potentially toxic. *Do not give fever medication to children 2 months of
age or younger unless you have consulted your physician
first.
When should I call the doctor?
Immediately if:
- Your child is 2 months
of age or younger
- Your child's fever is
over 104 F
- Your child has a
seizure
- Your child looks or
acts very sick.
Not immediately, but
within 24 hours or so, if:
- Your child is 3 - 6
months of age
- Your child is under 2
years of age with fever lasting longer than 24 hours without apparent cause or
symptoms
- Your child's fever
went away for 24 hours or more then returned
- You have other
concerns or questions.
This
page was authored by Dr. Lauren Mitchell.