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Fever
is one of the ways the body fights infection, and if your child
does not feel or look sick, then a low-grade fever may not
need to be treated.
Take
your child's temperature rectally if the age is less than 5 years,
or by mouth if 5 years or older. A normal rectal temperature is
higher than the mouth temperature - up to 38.5 degrees C. A normal
mouth temperature is a little lower - up to 37.5 degrees C in someone
who is resting.
If your child has a fever ...
- Dress the child
lightly so as to be comfortable for room temperature. Overdressing
will make the fever higher.
- Provide plenty
of fluid intake such as juices, soft drinks or popsicles. Children
with fever may not be interested in solid food.
- Acetominophen
(Tylenol®, Tempra®, Pandolol®, Atasol®) will help
reduce the fever. Use the dosage of acetominophen marked on the box
every four hours.
ASPIRIN®,
or medicines containing (acetyl)-salicylic acid, ARE NOT RECOMMENDED
FOR FEVER CONTROL IN CHILDREN!
If the child's temperature
is higher than 39.5 C (103 F), it may help to sponge bathe in lukewarm
water for 20 minutes. If this causes more upset or shaking chills, then
stop and dry the child off.
If your baby is
0-3 months old and has a fever, see a doctor IMMEDIATELY!
Get urgent medical
advice or return to the Orleans Urgent Care or an Emergency Department
if ...
- the fever remains
greater than 39.5 C even with the correct regular doses of acetaminophen
- the child develops
a rectal temperature over 40.6 C (over 105 F)
- the fever lasts
longer than 2 days
- the child develops
new symptoms
- the child is
more lethargic than normal
- the child seems
to be in pain
- there is vomiting,
headache or painful or stiff neck
- the child has
a seizure or convulsion, develops abnormal movements of the face,
arms or legs
- the child has
difficulty breathing
- the child just
seems sicker, or you have any concerns
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