Fever Facts

• Infants and children with overwhelming infections may be unable to generate a fever  which  will help fight the infection. Although they may not have a fever they will look and act very sick.
• A child with a fever who may have temperatures up to the 103.5 range who is up and active, responsive, maybe playing a bit and is taking food and drink is one who needs to be observed and treated withTylenol or ibuprofen.  The diagnosis is probably a viral illness such as Roseola.
• A child with a fever who is active and eating and is in no distress does not need fever treatment. Fever is part of the body’s defense system and shortens the course of viral infections. Children usually tolerate temperatures up to 102 degrees without much difficulty. Fever medicine can be used to lessen aches and pains, but there should not be a vigorous attempt to bring and maintain the body temperature to normal.
• A temperature of 99 degrees should not be considered a fever. After vigorous activity on a hot day the body temperature may be even higher then 99 degrees. With rest the temperature may come down.  A child’s temperature will vary during the day.  It is usually lower on awakening and is higher at the end of the day from the heat generated by activity and digestion of meals.

What are the causes?

• Most fevers are caused by viruses most likely to resolve on their own.

Possible Symptoms

• Child is warm or hot to touch
• Child may complain of feeling hot or cold
• When a fever occurs, always look for accompanying signs or symptoms. 
• Pain, changes in breathing,rashes, vomiting, diarrhea, cough are but a few of the symptoms that may help point to why the fever is occurring.

Should I see a Doctor?

• Any child age 4 months or younger who has an elevated temperature (100.4 or higher)
• If your child has a fever AND  has any of the following:  listless, difficult to arouse, more irritable than usual, has no appetite, has poor color, difficulty breathing, frequent vomiting, has a headache or abdominal pain, has a rash or YOU are concerned about child’s illness.
• If the a rash is purple call the doctor immediately!
• Fever has persisted for several days
• Your child has had a febrile seizure
• The fever does not respond to medication (Ibuprofen or acetaminophen) or sponging with tepid water.

What is the treatment ?

• Use of medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminaphen in recommended doses may help relieve the discomfort of aches and pains and lower the degree of fever. 
• Since there will be numerous times in childhood when a fever does occur, the most important thing to remember is that fever really is a friend and not something to be feared. Dress your child in loose clothes, use a cool wash cloth and give cool drinks.

Related Tips

• Fever and convulsions
• As many as one out of ten children may experience a convulsion or seizure with a fever.
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• Chickenpox
• Chickenpox is a common childhood illness.
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• Ear infections
• Among the most common illnesses of childhood are middle ear infections or otitis media.
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