Fever

WARNING!

Do not give children any aspirin product.

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Fever is usually a symptom of disease and it usually means your child is "coming down" with something. Actually it is a normal and healthy response to an infection with a germ and aids the body in fighting the infection in most circumstances. Fever is really "a friend" in these situations. It is frequently the first symptom of an illness appearing before other symptoms occur. Many times a child will have fever with fussiness and tiredness for several days and no other illness. Fever should warn you to watch your child carefully. We discourage frequent temperature checks. They serve no purpose.

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Old Wives Tale

There is a lot of misinformation about fever and we would like to put some of it to rest. The height of the temperature is not related to how sick the child is or will be. How sick your child acts is what counts. Some minor illnesses such as roseola frequently cause fever of 104 degrees. High fever will not cause brain damage. Fevers cause no permanent harm until it reaches 107 degrees F. There are children who are prone to convulsions and fever will trigger a convulsion in them. This is a rare occurrence. Convulsions are not related to the height of the temperature and rarely occur after 4 years of age. The child, who is restless, jerks in his sleep and is cranky, is not having a convulsion but showing the effects of the illness and fever.

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When to Notify the Doctor

1. If at any time the child appears to be very ill.

2. If your child is under the age of 2 months and has a fever.

3. If the fever has continued for over 4 days without an apparent cause.

4. If there is a convulsion.

Treatment

If your child is comfortable and has had no previous convulsions, no special treatment is necessary. Give him plenty of liquids, remove excessive clothing and allow him to cool off. If your child is fretful and not feeling well:

1. Give him Tylenol in dosages prescribed. Do not exceed the recommended dosages.

2. Remove all tight fitting clothing

3. Encourage him to drink plenty of fluids (Give water for infants or milk if he/she is taking it well. Pedialight, Gatorade, and popsicles are also good for older children).

4. Have the room comfortable. In summer months use the fan or air conditioner.

5. If the above measures do not give relief, then you may give him/her a sponge bath with room temperature (tepid) water. Ice water sponges are uncomfortable and unnecessary.

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Call the Office If:

1. Your child is <2 months old.

2. Fever is >105 degrees F.

3. Your child is difficult to awaken, has a stiff neck, cries inconsolably, or has purple spots.

4. Your child looks very sick.

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