Is Your Child Burning Up?

A fever is one of the first signs that someone is sick. This is especially common in children with growing immune systems. Fever is an elevation of the body’s core temperature that attempts to destroy bacteria, viruses, or help heal the body. The human body has a base temperature that the hypothalamus in the brain can increase as needed. For children and parents, fevers can be scary, and in some circumstances, a sign of something more serious. Understanding the facts about fevers can help parents when children are sick, manage symptoms, and seek medical attention.

Aren't fevers a bad thing?

A fever is a natural part of the immune system's response to infection. Raising the body's base temperature creates an unfavorable environment for bacteria, slowing down virus reproduction. Fever also activates cellular responses such as metabolic rate and the immune system. A fever is defined as a body temperature of 100.4°F or higher. Temperatures between 100.4°-104°F are generally safe, and even helpful in some cases. Families should invest in simple thermometers to confirm if a child has a fever. Common symptoms include feeling warm to the touch, sweating, fatigue, chills, and weakness. These symptoms may vary depending on the cause of the fever.

First steps when your child is sick

Parents should have a basic understanding of how to treat fevers. Treatment depends on the child's age, severity, and symptoms. Most fevers do not need immediate medical attention, but close monitoring and strategies to help the child feel comfortable. Provide liquid acetaminophen or ibuprofen for children 6 months and older. Follow all dosing instructions based on age and weight. Keep the child comfortable in a cool space with breathable clothing. Use a cool compress or sponge on the body to help manage temperature. Offer plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Water, juices, or rehydration formulas are great options. With these strategies, continue to monitor symptoms and periodically check temperature with a thermometer. If the fever persists for more than one day or exceeds 104°F, seek medical attention immediately.

Be careful with infant fevers

The rules surrounding fevers vary for infants and small children. For infants under 3 months old, any fever above 100.4°F requires immediate attention. There is a higher risk of infections or other health issues. For children 3-6 months old, consistent fevers of 102°F should prompt medical advice. Extremely high temperatures in children are rare but can cause significant health issues if left untreated. Febrile seizures can occur in approximately 4% of children with a fever, especially in young children. These fevers can appear frightening, but do not cause significant health issues if lasting only 1-2 minutes. Continue to monitor the fever, provide appropriate care, and seek help as needed.

When should your child see a doctor?

In addition to monitoring rising temperatures, look for other concerning symptoms. Some children may have difficulty drinking fluids, persistent vomiting, or diarrhea. If there are signs of dehydration, irritability, severe fatigue, headache, or abdominal pain, visit a doctor immediately. If multiple febrile seizures occur or prolonged seizures last for several minutes, seek medical help immediately. Medical treatment for fevers involves medication, intravenous (IV) fluids, and active cooling techniques, like ice packs, to reduce the fever as quickly as possible. Additional tests are immediately performed to find the root cause of the fever, along with monitoring the patient until symptoms improve.

Stay informed, act accordingly

Fever is a common symptom in children with mild illnesses. Most fevers help to destroy bacteria and slow the progression of common viruses. Parents should be cautious but not panic. Take the child's temperature periodically, looking for temperatures exceeding 102°F-104°F, depending on age. Provide medication and additional support, while closely monitoring for other symptoms. The fever will likely accompany a common cold, flu, or stomach bug. If other symptoms persist or are severe, seek medical attention immediately. Taking the proper steps means families can manage fevers with confidence.