“MY KID HAS A FEVER……WHAT NOW”

Fever in children are so common that nearly two-thirds of all children see a medical practitioner for a fever-related illness in the first two years of life this is the most cause for most of the visits to primary care offices . This fear often can lead to unnecessary hospital or office visits, tests and treatment. A fever is usually caused by infections from viruses (such as a cold or the flu) or bacteria (such as strep throat or some ear infections). The fever itself is not the disease, only a sign that the body’s defenses are trying to fight an infection. Everyone has his or her own internal “thermostat” that regulates body temperature, and normal body temperature is around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit plus or minus about one degree. When the body detects an infection or other illness, the brain responds by raising the body temperature to help fight the condition. Any rectal temperature over 100.4 or orally 101.4 is generally considered a fever.

Although not every fever needs to be treated, there are some things you can do to help make your child more comfortable. Giving a child acetaminophen or ibuprofen will usually reduce a fever. A fever will also cause a child to lose fluids more quickly, so offer your baby plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Signs of dehydration include crying without tears, a dry mouth, and fewer wet diapers. When to call the office for an appointment:

Looks very ill, is unusually drowsy, or is very fussy

Has been in a very hot place, such as an overheated car

Has other symptoms, such as a stiff neck, severe headache, severe sore throat, severe ear pain, an unexplained rash, or repeated vomiting or diarrhea

Has immune system problems, such as sickle cell disease or cancer, or is taking steroids

Has had a seizure

Is younger than 3 months (12 weeks) and has a temperature of 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher

Fever rises above 104°F (40°C) repeatedly for a child of any age

Your child still “acts sick” once his fever is brought down.

Your child seems to be getting worse.
The fever persists for more than 24 hours in a child younger than 2 years.
The fever persists for more than 3 days (72 hours) in a child 2 years of age or older.

Here are some guidelines for taking medicine to lower a fever:

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) help reduce fever in children.

Sometimes practitioners advise you to use both types of medicine.

Take acetaminophen every 4 to 6 hours. It works by turning down the brain’s thermostat.
Take ibuprofen every 6 to 8 hours. Do not use ibuprofen in children 6 months or younger.
Aspirin is very effective for treating fever in adults. Do not give aspirin to a child unless your child’s doctor tells you to.
Know how much you or your child weighs, and then always check the instructions on the package to find the correct dose.
In children 3 months or younger, call your doctor first before giving medicines.