What Causes a Fever?
Everyone has his or her own internal “thermostat” that regulates body temperature, and normal body temperature is around 37 degrees Celsius, plus or minus about 0.6 degrees. When the body detects an infection or other illness, the brain responds by raising the body temperature to help fight the condition.
A temperature over 38 degrees Celsius is considered a fever. It is not always necessary for a child with a fever to see their doctor. It depends on the age of the child and the other symptoms they have.
Managing the Fever
A fever can’t always be detected by feeling your child’s forehead. It’s usually necessary to take his temperature as well. Digital thermometers give the quickest, most accurate readings, and are the only kind that doctors currently recommend. Available in a variety of sizes and shapes, they’re sold at most supermarkets and drugstores.
Once you’ve identified a fever, the most important thing you can do is to improve your child’s comfort and make sure they get enough fluid, so they do not get dehydrated. While you may instinctively want to bring your child to the doctor’s office, it may not be necessary, especially if the child seems fine once their discomfort is treated.
Keeping Fever at Bay
Although not every fever needs to be treated, there are some things you can do to help make your child more comfortable.
- Giving a child paracetamol or ibuprofen will usually reduce. It is important to make sure you give the right dose to your child
- If your child is under two years of age, contact your pediatrician or pharmacist for the correct dose. For older children, follow the recommended dose on the label
- Do not overdress your child. Other practices to reduce fevers such as an alcohol bath, ice packs, etc. are no longer recommended and can actually have adverse effects on your child
- A fever will also cause a child to lose fluids more quickly, so offer plenty of fluids to avoid Signs of dehydration including crying without tears, a dry mouth, and fewer wet diapers
- Keep your digital thermometer ready and accessible so you don’t have to search for it once your child is ill
- Have children’s paracetamol or ibuprofen on hand
- Make sure your pediatrician’s phone number is handy
When to Call the Doctor
Call your child’s doctor right away if your child has a fever and:
- Looks very ill, is unusually drowsy, or is very fussy
- Has been in a very hot place, such as an overheated car
- Has other symptoms, such as a stiff neck, severe headache, severe sore throat, severe ear pain, an unexplained rash, or repeated vomiting or diarrhea
- Has signs of dehydration, such as a dry mouth, sunken soft spot or significantly fewer wet diapers and is not able to take in fluids
- Has immune system problems, such as sickle cell disease or cancer, or is taking steroids
- Has had a seizure
- Is younger than 3 months (12 weeks) and has a temperature of 4°F (38.0°C) or higher
- The fever rises above 104°F (40°C) repeatedly for a child of any age
Also call your child’s doctor if:
- Your child still “acts sick” once his fever is brought down
- Your child seems to be getting worse
- The fever persists for more than 24 hours in a child younger than 2 years
- The fever persists for more than 3 days (72 hours) in a child 2 years of age or older
