Fever is usually indicative of an underlying infection (most commonly a virus) and is usually self-limiting. The specific degree of temperature is less important than other signs and symptoms of your child’s illness. Rectal temperatures are most reliable for infants. In older children, ear thermometers can be used for screening but oral thermometers are more accurate.
- What is a fever?
For children, fever is temperature greater than or equal to 100.4°F. The temperature can be taken by ear, under the arm, or rectally in infants. It can be taken orally, by ear, or by temporal scanner in older children.
- What to do for fever.
- remain calm
- try to find out the cause of the fever
- remove excess clothing and bedding
- keep your child comfortable but not cold
- give fever/pain medication (see dosage chart) to relieve associated medical symptoms (e.g., excessive crankiness)
- When to call the doctor, if your child has a fever:
a. promptly if the child is less than two months of age
b. promptly if the child appears to be obviously ill (e.g., has excessive vomiting or diarrhea, has shaking chills, has breathing problems)
c. if repeatedly vomiting prevents medication retention
d. if fever is accompanied by localized pain (e.g., earache)
e. if fever persists for more than 3 days (greater than 72 hours)
- Medications for fever.
Two fever medications are commonly recommended. They are acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen. Aspirin should NOT be used for fever in children. When using acetaminophen or ibuprofen, remember to use a dose appropriate to his or her weight.
