Fever
Fever
Does this describe your child's symptoms? |
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DefinitionYour child has a fever if:
Causes
Fever and Crying
Normal Variation of Temperature
Return to School
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If not, see these topics
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When to Call Your Doctor |
Call 911 Now (your child may need an ambulance) If |
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Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If |
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Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If |
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Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If |
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Parent Care at Home If |
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HOME CARE ADVICE FOR FEVER |
Reassurance: Presence of a fever means your child has an infection, usually caused by a virus. Most fevers are good for sick children and help the body fight infection. Use the following definitions to help put your child's level of fever into perspective:
100°-102°F (37.8° - 39°C) Low grade fevers: beneficial, desirable range
102°-104°F (39 - 40°C) Average fever: beneficial
Over 104°F (40°C) High fever: causes discomfort, but harmless
Over 106°F (41.1°C) Very high fever: important to bring it down
Over 108°F (42.3°C) Dangerous fever: fever itself can cause brain damage
Treatment for All Fevers: Extra Fluids and Less Clothing
Give cold fluids orally in unlimited amounts (Reason: good hydration replaces sweat and improves heat loss from the skin).
Dress in 1 layer of light weight clothing and sleep with 1 light blanket (avoid bundling). (Caution: overheated infants can't undress themselves.)
For fevers 100°-102° F (37.8° - 39°C), this is the only treatment needed (fever medicines are unnecessary).
Fever Medication:
Fevers only need to be treated with medicine if they cause discomfort. That usually means fevers above 102°F (39°C).
Give acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil). See the dosage charts.
The goal of fever therapy is to bring the temperature down to a comfortable level. Remember, the fever medicine usually lowers the fever by 2° to 3° F (1 - 1.5° C).
Avoid aspirin (Reason: risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious brain disease)
Avoid alternating acetaminophen and ibuprofen (Reason: unnecessary and risk of overdosage)
Sponging:
Note: Sponging is optional for high fevers, not required.
Indication: May sponge for (1) fever above 104° F (40° C) AND (2) doesn't come down with acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen (always give fever medicine first).
How to sponge: Use lukewarm water (85 - 90° F) (29.4 - 32.2° C). Do not use rubbing alcohol. Sponge for 20-30 minutes.
If your child shivers or becomes cold, stop sponging or increase the water temperature.
Contagiousness: Your child can return to child care or school after the fever is gone and your child feels well enough to participate in normal activities.
Expected Course of Fever: Most fevers associated with viral illnesses fluctuate between 101° and 104° F (38.4° and 40° C) and last for 2 or 3 days.
Call Your Doctor If:
Fever goes above 104° F (40° C) repeatedly
Any fever occurs if under 12 weeks old
Fever without a cause persists over 24 hours (if age less than 2 years)
Fever persists over 3 days (72 hours)
Your child becomes worse
And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.
Updated:  
March 22, 2017