Fever

Caring for Children With Fever
A fever is not usually harmful to a child. A child’s temperature-regulating mechanism is not well developed, which can result in a fever being higher than expected with a relatively minor infection.

If your child has a fever, follow these recommendations:

• Take your child’s temperature every two to four hours. Normal temperatures are 98.6 F (orally); 99.6 F (rectally) and 97.6 F (under the arm).
• Follow medication instructions completely.
• Take antibiotics and other prescribed medications until they are gone unless other instructions are given on the medication label.
• Do not expect the child to be well and fever free after only a few doses of an antibiotic.
• Sponge bathe a child with a fever above 104 F. Place the child in a bathtub with two to three inches of lukewarm water. Gently sponge the water over his or her skin for about 15 minutes. Take the child’s temperature again. Sponging may lower it one to three degrees. Stop sponging if the child starts shivering. Never sponge a child with rubbing alcohol.
• Caress the child lightly.
• Avoid strenuous activity, excessive exercise and chills from drafts. All of these will increase body temperature.
• Encourage the child to drink lots of extra fluids

Call your doctor immediately for advice if:

• Your child is younger than 3 months old and has a temprature of 100.4 F or greater.
• Your child is drooling more than usual and having difficulty swalowing.
• Your child is younger than 3 months old and has a temperature of 100.4° F or greater.
• Your child is constantly crying, irritable and inconsolable.
• Your child has a stiff neck or headache and fever.
• Your child has difficulty breathing, unless it is due to a stuffy nose.
• Your child is difficult to arouse, confused or delirious.
• Always follow the physician’s instructions.