Fever

Children and infants often have slightly higher normal body temperatures compared to adults. However, a temperature above 100.4° F is generally considered a fever by healthcare professionals.

Common signs your child might have a fever include:

• Low energy or less activity than usual
• Being fussy or cranky
• Eating less than normal
• Drinking more fluids
• Chills or sweating
• Red or flushed skin

You can measure your child’s temperature using:

• Oral thermometers
• Rectal thermometers
• Ear thermometers

There’s no need to check your child’s temperature constantly if they’re active or sleeping well. But if they seem more tired or less energetic, it’s a good time to take their temperature.

The method depends on their age:

• Under 3 years: Rectal thermometers give the most accurate reading. A reading over 100.4° F means fever.
• 4 years and older: Oral thermometers are appropriate. A temperature above 100° F indicates fever.
• 5 years and older: You can also use an underarm (axillary) thermometer. Above 99° F is considered a fever.

A fever signals that something else is happening in the body. Typical causes include:

• Infections: Viral illnesses like the flu often trigger fevers as the body fights back.
• Overdressing: Newborns may develop a fever from being too warmly clothed, as they can’t regulate temperature well yet.
• Vaccinations: It’s common for babies and young children to have a mild fever lasting less than a day after shots.
• Teething: Some children get low-grade fevers when new teeth start to emerge.

If your child is older than three months, alert, interested in playing, drinking enough fluids, smiling, and has normal skin color, their fever usually isn’t serious.

Most healthy kids with a fever and no major behavior changes don’t need urgent medical care.

Fevers often don’t require special treatment. Here are some simple ways you can help ease your child’s symptoms:

• Offer plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
• Check temperature regularly, especially at night.
• If appropriate, give paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve discomfort.
• Dress your child in light clothing.
• Try a warm sponge bath, but stop if they feel cold or start shivering.
• Keep the room comfortably cool.
• Make sure they rest and stay home from school until fever-free for 24 hours.

• Don’t undress your child or use cold sponges to cool them down.
• Avoid overbundling with too many clothes or blankets.
• Never give aspirin to children under 16—it’s linked to Reye’s syndrome.
• Do not mix ibuprofen and paracetamol together.
• Don’t give paracetamol to babies younger than two months.
• Ibuprofen is not recommended for infants under three months or under 5kg.
• Avoid ibuprofen if your child has asthma.
• Never use alcohol baths.
• Don’t leave your child unattended in the bathtub.
• Do not force your child to eat if they aren’t hungry.

If fever continues despite home care, call your pediatrician. For newborns especially, watch for other signs as fever might indicate an infection needing prompt attention.

Your doctor may recommend exams to identify infections and provide treatment to fight any bacteria or viruses.

Seek emergency care right away if your child shows:

• A stiff neck
• A rash that doesn’t fade when pressed
• Light sensitivity
• Cold hands and feet
• Blue, pale, or blotchy skin, lips, or tongue
• Weak or high-pitched crying
• Difficulty waking or extreme drowsiness
• Breathing difficulties
• Leaning forward and drooling
• Severe stomach pain
• Severe shaking or convulsions

From everyday illnesses and allergies to ongoing health issues, Sammy Kim, MD offers caring, hands-on pediatric care you can trust.

We provide same-day appointments at our clinic in Encino, CA. To schedule, please call us at (818) 789-0941 or contact us online.