The definition of Fever is a temperature above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius)

Why do children get a fever?

Fever is the body’s response to illness. It is a sign that the body is activating its defenses to fight an infection.

Fever can last between three to five days, up to seven days with many childhood illnesses.

How to take a temperature:

The most accurate methods of temperature taking:

Age 0-6 months: Rectally (in the bottom)

6 months-8 years: Axillary (under the arm)

>8 years: Axillary or Orally (under the tongue)

Rectal is always the most accurate, but as children get older it isn’t tolerated very well. And oral temperatures are only accurate once your child has the maturity to stay in one spot, keeping his/her lips closed around the thermometer as it sits in his/her mouth.

A note about thermometers –

The otic (ear) thermometers are extremely easy and popular, yet do not consistently give accurate readings. If you are using one and see a number that looks concerning- confirm with one of the methods listed above before panicking.

Should you be worried?

Fever, in and of itself, is not dangerous until it is 107 degrees Fahrenheit. The reason we work to bring a child’s fever down is because it can be very uncomfortable to have a fever. So it is a comfort issue, usually, more than anything else. If you bring a fever down and your child is acting well then he/she is probably fine. If you bring your child’s temperature down and he/she is acting unwell, you should see a doctor.

How to bring the fever down

Never use aspirin in a child or adolescent. It can have very serious complications.

Cooling measures: tepid baths (not too warm). Alternatively you can wet your child’s head/hair with cool water – effective and less disruptive than a bath for a clingy unhappy child. Offer cold drinks/popsicles, dress them in lighter clothing.

Tylenol/Acetaminophen (see medication dosing link) every 4-6 hours

Advil/Motrin/Ibuprofen (see medication dosing link) – only in children >6 months old, every 6-8 hours

Call us right away if:

Your child is less than 2 months old

Your child has a fever for 2-3 days and no other symptoms

Your child’s fever is above 106 degrees Fahrenheit (taken by methods mentioned above)

Your child remains unhappy and is not at least 70% back to normal when the fever is gone

Your child has pain with urination AND vomiting

Your child has a rash that is purplish or a deep red that does not blanche with pressure

Your child has an underlying medical problem or is undergoing treatment that affects the immune system

Your child seems very ill or has a severe headache without fever.

The fever does not respond even temporarily to correct dosing of medications.

The fever lasts longer than 3-5 days

You feel that something is just not right – remember, no one knows your child like you do!

-Monique Araya, MD, FAAP

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