Children’s Fever
What is fever?
A fever is the body's way of responding to an infection or illness. It happens when the body's temperature is raised above its normal level.
What causes it?
Generally, a fever is caused by viral infections such as colds, flu, and chicken pox. Bacterial infections such as strep throat and ear infection can also cause fever.
Flu can cause a high fever along with body aches, headache, and cold-like symptoms.
What to do when your child has a fever
Encourage your child to drink plenty of liquids. Fever can cause your child to lose fluids and may lead to dehydration. That's why it's important to give your child liquids such as water, soup, ice pops and flavoured gelatin when he or she has a fever.
Keep your child cool by dressing him or her in as few clothes as possible. By bundling up your child you may increase the fever.
Your child may also benefit from fever-reducing medication. Both ibuprofen (Children's Advil) or acetaminophen for children are safe and effective when used as directed. Unlike acetaminophen which must be dosed every 4 hours, Children's Advil is dosed every 6-8 hours. In addition, Children's Advil also relieves fevers faster than acetaminophen.
Aspirin is not generally used in children because it has been associated with Reye's syndrome (a rare but serious disease that can occur in association with influenza and chickenpox).
The amount of fever medicine your child should be given is based on the child's weight or age (weight is preferable). Always check the package instructions for the proper dose, or call your child's physician if you have any questions.
What NOT to do when your child has a fever
DON'T cover your child with heavy blankets or quilts. Heavy covers can hold in fever.
DON'T cover your child with a wet towel or sheet. It will keep heat from being lost through the skin.
DON'T give your child a cold bath or an alcohol bath.
DON'T give your child an enema. This can cause added dehydration.
How to take your child's temperature
Using a conventional glass thermometer. First shake the thermometer until the mercury line falls below 35.6°C (96° F). Then clean the thermometer in soapy water or swab it with rubbing alcohol. Rinse it with cool water.
Rectal (for children younger than 3 years old):
Coat the bulb end with petroleum jelly. Place your child (stomach down) over your lap, holding the child's bottom, slowly insert the thermometer about one-half inch to one inch into the anal canal. Keep the thermometer in place for 2 minutes.
Normal Rectal Temperature: 37.6° C (99.6° F)
Fever: 38.1° C (100.4° F) or higher
Oral (for children ages 5 and older):
Slowly insert the tip of the thermometer under the tongue. Have your child hold the thermometer in place by keeping lips closed - without biting it - for about 2 to 3 minutes. Wait at least 10 minutes after your child drinks hot or cold liquids before taking his or her temperature.
Normal Oral Temperature: 37° C (98.6° F)
Fever: 37.7° C (100° F) or higher
Under the Arm (for children any age) Place the bulb of the thermometer (either oral or rectal) under your child's armpit, making sure the arm rests snugly against the body. Wait 3 to 4 minutes before removing.
Normal Armpit Temperature: 36.5° C (97.6° F)
Fever: 37.2° C (99° F) or higher
Contact your physician as soon as possible if your child:
- has a fever and is younger than 3 months old
- has a temperature over 40° C (104° F ) and is older than 3 months old
- has a history of febrile seizures
- has a fever that lasts longer than 72 hours without an obvious cause or location of infection
- cries inconsolably, looks or acts very sick, has diarrhea or repeated vomiting or difficulty awakening, has signs of dehydration or refuses to drink
- develops any unusual or severe symptoms, such as a stiff neck, confusion, rash with fever, difficulty breathing, or seizures
- appears to be getting worse
- has a fever and sickle cell anemia