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Fever

Fever is the commonest cause for which a child is brought to the doctor. The important facts about fever that one should know are:

• Fever is a rise in the body temperature to 101° Fahrenheit or greater 
• Fever is the body's natural response to a viral or bacterial infection 
• Fever is considered beneficial to help the body fight infection and usually not dangerous 
• Feeling your child's forehead, face, or stomach may help to decide if he has a fever, but that is not very accurate unless the fever is fairly high 
• Taking the temperature is the only sure way to know if your child has a fever. The normal body temperature may go up in the late afternoon or early morning. 

Call the clinic: 

• If your baby less than six months of age has a temperature 101° F or higher 
• If your child's fever is 104° or higher 
• If your child has other signs of illness (see When to Call the clinic) 

Treating a Fever 
Without medications:

• If your child has a fever yet is content, eating, drinking, or playing he may not need medication 
• Dress him in lightweight clothing or remove clothing to allow heat loss through the skin 
• Use a lightweight blanket if he feels cold or is shivering 
• Try to keep your child quiet - activity increases body temperature 
• Give your child extra fluids to prevent dehydration or extra loss of water (water, iced drinks, juices, or whatever he will drink) 

With medications: 

• · Medication is only needed to make your child more comfortable 
• Give Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) every 4 hours 
• If your health care provider orders ibuprofen, give it every 6-8 hours 
• Do not use Aspirin for fever (it has been related to a serious illness, Reye's Syndrome) 
• Always give your child medication for fever if he has had febrile seizure (seizures when your child has a fever) 
• Give your child a sponge bath with lukewarm water only (no cold water) if fever is higher than 104° F and fever is not decreased 30-60 minutes after medication is given-- NEVER LEAVE HIM ALONE IN THE TUB 
• Stop the sponge bath if your child starts to shiver. Never use rubbing alcohol for baths or sponging. Alcohol can cool your child too quickly and can be absorbed through the skin causing alcohol poisoning. 

Body Temperatures 

Taking a Temperature: 

• Do not use devices such as temperature strips placed on your child's forehead or pacifier thermometers since they are not accurate 
• Take your baby or young child's temperature under the arm (axillary) 
• Rectal temperatures are not recommended because they are more difficult to take safely 
• Never leave your child alone while taking his temperature.