Fevers

Fevers are common in kids! Keep in mind that fevers are a sign or symptom of illness. They can occur for a variety of different reasons, and bringing them into the office for an evaluation is the best way to determine what is causing the fever. It is important to keep them comfortable and hydrated at home during this time.

What is considered a fever? 

A fever is a measured temperature of 100.4 degrees F (38 degrees C) or higher. Measuring temperature rectally is considered to be the most accurate method. However, many parents measure temperature in the mouth, in the ear, or under the armpit. Many measure temperature on the forehead using an infrared thermometer, but these can sometimes be inaccurate and we recommended checking multiple sites of the head to avoid artificially high readings. Using an ear thermometer in children younger than 6 months of age can also be inaccurate because of their small ear canals.

It can be scary when your child has a high fever. In general, we worry more about how the child looks instead of how high the fever is. The number of the temperature does not always correlate with the severity of illness.

Common causes of fever in kids:

  • Viral upper respiratory infections (URIs), such as the common cold
  • RSV
  • Ear infections
  • Strep throat
  • Influenza (Flu)
  • Pneumonia
  • Gastrointestinal (GI) illness
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Fevers in newborns (< 2 months of age): 

It is uncommon for infants younger than 2 months of age to have a fever. If your infant has a fever, it is important to have them evaluated by our team quickly, even if they do not appear ill.

Treating fevers at home: 

We recommend use of fever reducing medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin) when children are not feeling well due to fever.  We typically expect children to feel better 1-2 hours after administering a fever reducing medication. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) lasts 4-6 hours, and ibuprofen (Motrin) lasts 6-8 hours. Remember, these medicines treat the fever, but not the underlying cause of illness. Once the medication wears off, you will likely see the temperature increase again. The dose, or amount of medicine used, is based on the weight of the child. Please see the tables below to determine the appropriate dose for your child. Please note, ibuprofen is not used in children < 6 months of age. 

Acetaminophen (Tylenol): 

Always use your child’s most recent weight when dosing.

  • Give medicine every 4 to 6 hours as needed (no more than 5 times in 24 hours)
  • Do not use more than one product containing acetaminophen at the same time
  • Use the measuring device that comes with liquid medicine
  • If you have a question or need help to find the right product for your child talk to a pharmacist

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin):

Always use your child’s most recent weight when dosing.

  • Do not give to children younger than 6 months of age
  • Give medicine every 6 to 8 hours as needed (no more than 4 times in 24 hours)
  • Do not use more than one product containing ibuprofen at the same time
  • Use the measuring device that comes with liquid medicine
  • If you have questions or need help to find the right product for your child, talk to a pharmacist.

 

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