When the body detects an illness, it responds by raising its temperature to fight it. This is known as a fever. Fevers fight various infections, bacteria and viruses.
There are symptoms that may prompt you to check your child's temperature. These symptoms are dry mouth, earache, vomiting, poor appetite, pale appearance, skin rash, sore or swollen joints, sore throat, stomach pain, limpness, difficulty breathing, and whimpering. An infant may have high-pitched crying, fussiness and swelling of the soft spot on the head.
It's tempting to feel your child's forehead to check for a fever, but know that this isn't a reliable method. Instead, use a thermometer meant for taking human temperatures.
There are three types of digital thermometers that can be used for accurate readings: multi-use, temporal and tympanic. The standard for fever varies based on age and how the temperature is taken.
When a child has a low fever but can eat, drink, sleep and play normally, treatment may not be necessary. You can provide care at home by keeping your child comfortable.
• Dress them in light clothing. Offer a blanket if they have chills or are shivering.
• Make sure your child gets plenty of rest.
• Provide fluids, such as water and soups, to prevent dehydration. Ice pops and flavored gelatin can also help with hydration and sore throats.
• Use over-the-counter medication to help reduce the fever.
If your child has a fever that lasts more than 24 hours (for children under 2 years old) or 3 days (for children over 2 years old), contact your child's doctor. Also call if they still feel or act sick after the fever has subsided.
Seek emergency medical attention immediately if your child:
• Has a fever that rises above 104 degrees repeatedly.
• Is younger than 3 months old with a rectal temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher.
You should also seek medical attention if your child has a fever and:
• Additional symptoms, such as stiff neck, severe headache, severe sore throat, rash, and nausea and vomiting.
• Behavior changes, such as being more tired or fussy than usual.
• A compromised immune system.
• Exposure to scorching temperatures, such as an overheated car.
• Seizures.
Schedule an appointment with one of our pediatricians by calling 863-607-3346 (Highlands), 863-680-7337 (North Pediatrics), 813-719-2500 (Plant City), or 863-647-8012 (South).