Simone Lawson
Fevers are a common occurrence in children and can be caused by various factors, including infections, vaccinations, and teething. While a fever is typically defined as a body temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, the definition can vary depending on the type of thermometer used and the child's age. For example, a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher in an infant under 3 months old is considered serious and requires immediate medical attention. In this text, we will explore the various factors that contribute to fevers in children and provide guidance on when to seek medical help.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fever temperature | 100.4 °F (38°C) or higher |
| Fever lasting more than | 24 hours |
| Fever returning after | 24 hours |
| History of | Febrile seizures |
| Child's age | Under 3 months |
| Child's temperature | 102.2 °F (39°C) to 104 °F (40°C) |
| Child refuses | Fluids |
| Child has | Lasting diarrhea or vomiting |
| Child shows signs of | Dehydration |
| Child complains of | Sore throat or earache |
| Child has a | Rash |
| Child experiences pain when | Peeing |
| Fever accompanied by | Seizure |
| Child's temperature reaches | 105 °F |
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What You'll Learn
- A fever in a child is usually 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
- Fevers in kids are usually caused by an infection
- A child with a fever should wear lightweight clothing and stay covered with a light sheet or blanket
- A lukewarm bath can help to reduce a fever
- If a child's fever reaches 105°F, seek immediate medical attention
A fever in a child is usually 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
A fever in a child is usually considered to be a body temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. This can be measured in a few different ways, including rectally, in the ear, on the forehead, in the mouth, or under the armpit. Each method will give a slightly different reading, so it's important to know which method was used when determining whether a child has a fever. For example, a temperature taken with a mouth thermometer that is 100°F (37.8°C) or higher is generally considered a fever.
If your child has a fever, it is important to keep them comfortable and well-rested. You can do this by dressing them in lightweight clothing and only using a light blanket or sheet to cover them. Keep the room at a comfortable temperature, neither too hot nor too cold, and make sure they are staying hydrated. You can also give them fever-reducing medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, but be sure to consult a doctor before giving any medication to a child under 3 months old.
It is not always necessary to treat a fever, especially if it is not causing discomfort. In fact, a fever can be beneficial as it helps the body stimulate the immune system to fight off infection. However, if your child's fever is accompanied by other symptoms such as body aches, increased heart rate, decreased urination, or high-pitched crying, you should contact your pediatrician.
If your child is under 3 months old and has a fever, you should call your doctor or go to the emergency room right away. This is because a fever in an infant may be the only sign of a serious illness. Additionally, if your child's fever lasts more than 72 hours or returns after going away for 24 hours, you should also call your doctor.
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Fevers in kids are usually caused by an infection
A fever in children is usually defined as a body temperature of 100.4 °F (38 °C) or higher. This threshold varies depending on the method of measurement, with rectal, armpit, ear, forehead, and mouth temperatures all yielding slightly different results. For instance, a rectal or oral temperature of 100 °F (37.8 °C) or higher is generally considered a fever.
However, it's important to monitor your child's fever and take steps to ensure their comfort. While medication is not always necessary, you can give your child an anti-fever medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen if they are in discomfort. Do not give your child aspirin, as it has been linked to Reye syndrome, a potentially fatal disease. Instead, dress your child lightly in breathable clothing, and encourage them to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Lukewarm baths and cold washcloths applied to the forehead, wrists, and groin can also help reduce body temperature.
If your child is younger than 3 months old and has a fever of 100.4 °F (38 °C) or higher, seek immediate medical attention. For babies 3 to 6 months old, a fever of 102 °F (38.9 °C) or higher warrants medical advice. Fevers lasting longer than 5 days or not responding to medication may also require medical attention.
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A child with a fever should wear lightweight clothing and stay covered with a light sheet or blanket
A fever in a child is generally considered to be a body temperature of 100.4 °F (38 °C) or higher. This definition varies slightly depending on the way the temperature is measured: in the mouth, bottom, ear, forehead, or across the forehead. A fever is usually a sign that the child's body is fighting off an infection, and it can make them feel uncomfortable.
If your child has a fever, it is important to ensure they are wearing lightweight clothing and are covered with a light sheet or blanket. This is because heavy clothes and thick blankets can prevent the body from cooling down, which can make the child feel even more uncomfortable. It is also important to keep the room at a comfortable temperature—not too hot or too cold.
You should also ensure that your child gets plenty of rest. They should stay home from school or childcare until their temperature has been normal for 24 hours. It is not necessary for them to stay in bed all day, but they should take it easy.
Sponging and bathing can help to comfort a child with a fever, but these methods are not recommended as a treatment for fever. Baths only help to cool a child while they are in the water, and fevers may immediately return once they get out. If bathing your child, be sure to use body temperature water. Cooler water can lower their temperature too quickly.
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A lukewarm bath can help to reduce a fever
A child has a fever when their body temperature is 100.4 °F (38 °C) or higher. This can be measured rectally, in the ear, across the forehead, or orally. Fevers in children are usually caused by an infection, and the body's immune system stimulates a rise in temperature to fight the infection.
- It helps to lower the fever.
- It provides comfort and relaxation without worsening the fever.
- It does not cause additional discomfort, such as shivering, which can sometimes increase core body temperature.
- It can help you relax and sleep better.
It is also recommended to dress the child lightly in loose-fitting clothes and keep the room at a comfortable temperature.
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If a child's fever reaches 105°F, seek immediate medical attention
A fever in a child is generally considered to be a body temperature of 100.4 °F (38 °C) or higher. This definition varies slightly depending on the method of measurement: rectal, armpit, ear, forehead, or mouth. For instance, a temperature taken using a mouth thermometer (oral temperature) that's 100 °F (37.8 °C) or higher is generally considered a fever.
If a child's fever reaches 105 °F, seek immediate medical attention. A high fever can be a sign of a serious infection, and it can be dangerous for children. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a fever of 105 °F is considered a medical emergency.
- Give them anti-fever medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Do not give your child aspirin, as it has been linked to Reye syndrome, a potentially fatal disease.
- Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Dress your child lightly. Excess clothing will trap body heat and cause their temperature to rise further.
- Use lukewarm water for baths or sponges to help comfort the child. Cool baths can make children uncomfortable from shivering, and their fever may return once they get out of the water.
- Place cold washcloths over areas of the body where the blood vessels are close to the surface of the skin, such as the forehead, wrists, and groin.
If your child is under 3 months old and has a fever, or if their fever lasts for more than 3 days, seek medical advice. Call your child's physician or pediatrician during office hours if any of the following conditions are present:
- Your child has had a fever for more than 72 hours.
- The fever went away for more than 24 hours and then returned.
- Your child has a history of febrile seizures.
- Your child refuses fluids or is too ill to drink.
- There are other concerning symptoms, such as a rash, diarrhea, vomiting, or pain when urinating.
Remember, these guidelines are general, and you should always consult a healthcare professional if you are concerned about your child's health.
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Frequently asked questions
A child is considered to have a fever when their temperature is at or above 100.4 °F (38 °C). This can be measured in different ways, including rectally, in the ear, on the forehead, in the mouth, or under the armpit. Each method will give a slightly different number, so the threshold for a fever varies depending on the measurement technique.
If your child has a fever, you should monitor them and ensure they get plenty of rest and fluids. You can give them fever-reducing medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, but do not give them aspirin. Dress them in lightweight clothing and only use a light blanket or sheet to prevent overheating. If your child is uncomfortable, you can give them a lukewarm bath or place cold washcloths on their forehead, wrists, and groin.
If your child is under 3 months old and has a rectal temperature of 100.4 °F (38 °C) or higher, you should call your doctor or go to the emergency room. For children over 3 months, seek medical advice if the fever is higher than 104 °F (40 °C) or does not respond to fever-reducing medication. Additionally, contact your healthcare provider if the fever lasts more than 3 days or if your child shows any concerning symptoms, such as dehydration, difficulty breathing, or a rash.
