Pediatric Fever
Pediatric Fever Overview
A fever is not a disease, but a symptom. Your child has a fever when the temperature is at or above one of these levels:
- 100.4°F measured rectally
- 100°F measured orally
- 99°F measured under the arm
If your child is less than 6 months old, take their temperature rectally.
Pediatric fevers can be one of the most challenging symptoms that parents and doctors face. Most fevers are merely the result of minor illnesses, such as colds and viruses. In rare cases, they can be the warning sign of more serious bacterial or viral infections.
Symptoms
If your child is an infant, you should call your Wellstar pediatrician if they:
- Is under 3 months of age and has a rectal temperature over 100.4°F (38°C).
- Is aged 3-6 months and has a rectal temperature above 101°F (38.4°C).
- Is over 6 months old and has a temperature above 103°F (39.4°C).
If your child is older, it is important to evaluate the entire situation. Some children can register a temperature of 104°F (40°C) and act fine; others can be extremely ill with a temperature of 101°F (38.4°C). Contact a Wellstar pediatrician if your child has a persistent fever for more than one or two days. Other signs that demand immediate medical attention include:
- Irritability
- Confusion
- Lethargy
- Difficulty breathing
- Rapid or weak pulse
- Severe headaches
- Seizure
Also, you should call your Wellstar pediatrician if your child has a fever and another medical condition, such as heart disease, cancer, sickle cell, and immune system problems.
Pediatric Fever Prevention
The best way to avoid most fevers is to make sure your child washes their hands. This helps to prevent common illnesses.
Reduce Your Child's Risk of a Fever
The immune system protects the body against disease. Parents can help their children stay healthy in four easy ways:
- Consistent hygiene that includes washing hands correctly.
- Well-balanced diet with whole grains, vegetables and fruits.
- Consistent, adequate sleep—at least 8-10 hours for most children.
- Low-stress environment.
Pediatric Fever Diagnosis
A fever is not a disease, but a symptom. Your child has a fever when the temperature is at or above one of these levels:
- 100.4°F measured rectally
- 100°F measured orally
- 99°F measured under the arm
If your child is less than 6 months old, take their temperature rectally.
Pediatric fevers can be one of the most challenging symptoms that parents and doctors face. Most fevers are merely the result of minor illnesses, such as colds and viruses. In rare cases, they can be the warning sign of more serious bacterial or viral infections.
Pediatric Fever Treatment
Pediatric fever treatments include:
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) help reduce fever in children and adults.
- Take acetaminophen every four to six hours. It works by turning down the brain's thermostat.
- Take ibuprofen every six to eight hours.
- Know how much your child weighs, and then always check the instructions on the package.
- In children under age 3 months, call your doctor first before giving medicine.
- A lukewarm bath or sponge bath may help cool someone with a fever. This is especially effective after medication is given—otherwise the temperature might bounce right back up.
- Keep your child's environment comfortably cool and dress them accordingly.
- Encourage them to drink plenty of fluids.
- Keep them from overexertion.
Pediatric Fever Warning
Do NOT:
- Give aspirin to your child.
- Use ibuprofen in children younger than 6 months old.
- Bundle up someone who has the chills.
- Use cold baths, ice, or alcohol rubs. These cool the skin, but often make the situation worse by causing shivering, which raises the core body temperature.
Ongoing Care for Pediatric Fever
Wellstar offers long-standing, community-based pediatricians who are to home and trained to:
- Help you determine healthy lifestyles for your child and useful ways to role model your choices
- Offer advice to prevent illness and injuries
- Provide early and appropriate care of acute illness to prevent its progression
- Treat life-threatening childhood conditions requiring intensive care
- Guide you in anticipating your child’s needs from newborn to adulthood
Pediatric Emergency and Immediate Care Center
Certified nurses with pediatric advanced life support certification work with Wellstar’s board-certified emergency services physicians in the Pediatric EDs at Wellstar Cobb and Kennestone hospitals. The Pediatric Emergency Department at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital is open seven days a week, from 11 AM to 11 PM. The Pediatric ED at Wellstar Cobb Hospital is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day.