A fever is one of the most common pediatric symptoms.
A fever is:

  1. Rectal temperature over 101º F (rectal thermometer placed for 1-3 minutes)
  2. Oral temperature over 100º F
  3. Axillary (armpit) temperature over 100º F
  4. Remember that the Thermoscan (”ear thermometer”) may not be accurate in children during the first 2-3 months of life.

Fevers can be caused by infections, either viral or bacterial. It may also be the result of too much clothing, dehydration, overexertion, or a reaction to certain immunizations.

A fever may be an important sign of body defenses working against an infections. However, many fevers in small children are caused by infections that are not serious. High fever alone (even temperatures of 103º F) is not necessarily harmful to children. It is important to consider how sick the child seems to be with the fever. Is he/she alert and playing?

You should contact us for:

  1. Fever in an infant under six months of age.
  2. Fever over 104º F which does not come down with the treatment outlined below.
  3. Fever present for more than 48 hours.
  4. Fever in a child that seems very sick.
  5. Fever plus frequent vomiting or diarrhea, especially in infants.
  6. Fever plus localized pain (abdominal pain, pain with urination, earache).

Fever can frequently make your child uncomfortable, as well as cause excess fluid loss and dehydration. Fever itself will not harm your child, but excess fluid loss and dehydration will. Thus, if your child has a moderate fever (over 102º F rectally) or appears uncomfortable with any fever, follow these treatment guidelines:

  1. Remove most clothing and blankets. Diapers or underwear and a single sheet are all that is needed.
  2. Keep the room cool at 68-70º F.
  3. Offer cool, clear liquids frequently. Popsicles, ice water, soda, and fruit juices are good. Avoid milk if your child has vomiting and/or diarrhea.
  4. Give appropriate fever medications (Tylenol every 4 hours, Motrin every six hours) while the child is awake.

If the fever is more than 104º F, does not come down with medication, and if the child appears uncomfortable, you can give sponge baths with luke-warm water (90-95º F) for 30 minutes. Do not use alcohol or cold water.