What is a fever
- Rectal, Ear, or Temporal Artery (forehead) Temperature: 100.4° F (38.0°) or higher.
- Oral or Pacifier Temperature: 100° F (37.8° C) or higher
- Axillary (armpit) Temperature: 99° F (37.2° C) or higher
Causes of fever
- Viral Infections: Cold, flu, and other viral infections are the most common cause. Fever may be the only symptom for the first 24 hours. The start of viral symptoms (runny nose, cough, loose stools) is often delayed.
- Bacterial Infections: A bladder infection is the most common cause of silent fever in girl. Strep throat is also a common cause of unexplained fever.
- Sinus Infections: This is a complication of a cold. The main symptom is the return of fever after it has been gone for a few days. The sinus congestion also changes to sinus pain.
- Vaccine Fever: Fever with most vaccines begins within 12 hours. It lasts 2 to 3 days. This is normal and harmless. It means the vaccine is working.
- Meningitis: A bacterial infection of the membrane that covers the spinal cord and brain. The main symptoms are a stiff neck, headache, and confusion. Younger children are lethargic or so irritable that they can't be consoled.
- Overheated: The fever is usually low grade. Can occur during heat waves or from being overdressed. The temp becomes normal in a few hours after moving to a cooler place. Can also occur during hard exercise. Fever goes away quickly with rest and drinking extra fluids.
Home care advice
- Fluids: Encourage your child to drink more fluids. If younger than 6 months, only give extra formula or breastmilk.
- Clothing: Dress in 1 layer of clothing, unless shivering
- Fever medicine: Fevers only need to be treated with medicine if they cause discomfort. For fevers above 102° F (39° C). Also can use fever medicine for shivering
- Give acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil).
- For infants less than 12 weeks, avoid giving acetaminophen without consulting a provider.
When to call the office
- Your child looks or acts very sick.
- Any serious symptoms occur like trouble breathing.
- Any fever occurs if under 12 weeks old.
- Fever without other symptoms last over 24 hours.
- Fever lasts over 3 days.
- Fever goes above 105° (40.6° C)
- Your child becomes worse.