Fever in Children

Fever is your body's way of fighting against infections. Many fevers are caused by a virus and some fevers are caused by bacteria. Teething rarely causes a fever and never causes a fever above 38.5C (101). A normal temperature, when taken under the tongue is 37C (98.6F), but it can change throughout the day. Exercise, too much clothing, a hot bath, and hot weather can make your child's temperature rise. If you think that one of these things might be causing your child's fever, make sure you take off some of their clothing, move them to a cooler area, and keep them quiet and still. Always check their temperature again within 20 min.

HOME TREATMENT:

• Giving a bath in slightly warm water or sponging your child is not really helpful. It can cause the child to shiver and this causes their temperature to go up instead of down. It does not feel very good either. *NEVER use alcohol rub to cool your child.
• Drinks with caffeine in them like colas, tea, or coffee can make them pee more and lose more fluid, so they should NOT be given to your child. Give them lots to drink because high fevers can cause your child to lose fluids and become too dry. It is best to give water, soup, Popsicle's, and Jell-O.
• You can treat the fever with acetaminophen, (Tylenol, Tempera, store brand acetaminophen) if your child feels uncomfortable or their temperature is above 38.5C (101F). Follow package directions or speak to your local pharmacy.
• You may give ibuprofen (Children's Motrin or Children's Advil) instead. It does not have to be given as often. It is given every 6 to 8 hours. You should give 5mg/kg if your child is under 2 years old and less than 10.8kg. If your child is older than 2 years give 10mg/kg.
• Do not give aspirin (A.S.A.) to anyone under 21 years old.
• Your child loses heat through their skin, so dress them in clothes that are not too warm. If they complain of being cold or are shivering, cover them with a thin blanket.
• Have them play quietly without running and jumping.

When should I check my child's temperature?

• If they complain of being cold.
• They are not playing like they usually do.
• They feel hot.
• Check it 1 hour after giving medication to bring their fever down.
• It usually takes at least 1 hour for fever medication to bring your child's fever down some. You need to give your child more acetaminophen every 4-6 hours because their temperature will go up and down until their sickness gets better. It can take a couple of days for the fever to go away.
• Check your child's temperature just before calling your doctor and be able to tell them what it has been.

Return to the Emergency Department IF:

• Your child has a fever for more than 24 hours and you do not know why (i.e. not related to a runny nose, diarrhea)
• Stiff, sore neck
• Very sleepy when they usually are not. Hard to wake up.
• Cranky, fussy (more than usual)
• Children older than 6 years do not remember things or people that they should.
• Seizure (convulsion)
• Purple spots on their skin.
• Hard time to breath or swallow.
• Pain in their belly.

Temperature Conversion: