Fever in Children
It's a situation every parent faces. Your child has a fever. The questions are many. Should you be concerned? When does a fever become dangerous? When should you call a doctor or go to the emergency room? Here's Dr. Firstname M. Lastname, a pediatrician with Medical Center/Hospital, to give us some answers.
How do you know if your child has a fever?
Fever is an elevated body temperature. As a rule, a temperature above 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit (taken with an oral thermometer) or 100.4 degrees F. (measured rectally) is a sign that a child has a fever. In addition to sickness, stress, physical activity, hot weather or too much clothing can raise body temperature. If you believe any of these factors may be affecting the temperature, eliminate them and take another reading in half an hour.
When should I consult a doctor immediately?
You should call your doctor immediately if your child has a fever and has any of the following:
- A stiff neck
- Is confused and/or lacks energy or is difficult to awaken
- Shows signs of febrile seizures where the body stiffens, the eyes may roll, and there's a loss of bowel and urine control
- Is less than two months old
- Has a fever greater than 104 degrees Fahrenheit (rectal)
- In addition, you should call your doctor if the fever persists for more than three days or if it returns after 24 hours of normal readings.
What can I do to make my child more comfortable?
First of all, you should never give your child aspirin, which has been linked to Reye's syndrome. Instead use acetaminophen. Give your child plenty of fluids. Let them get plenty of rest.