(Fevers and Children first appeared in the Public Opinion Newspaper in February 2015. To read it online, visit www.publicopiniononline.com.)
Wondering if that fever is run of the mill or something more serious? Dr. Matthew Kaufman, pediatrician at Keystone Pediatrics, shares what parents and caregivers need to know about fever and when to call a doctor.
What is a fever?
A fever is an elevated body temperature (above 100.4 F). It is typically seen as part of the body’s response to a source of inflammation, most commonly due to infection. Fever actually helps the body fight infection because the immune system is more efficient at the higher temperature and bacteria or viruses which cause fever are usually less effective at growing at the higher temperature.
How to approach a fever varies by age.
For an infant less than 2 months old, call your health care provider at any sign of fever for instructions or evaluation. For kids older than 2 months, fever itself is of less concern and depends on the condition of the child as a whole. A child who has a fever but is otherwise acting normally is usually not in danger. Monitor kids closely and watch for issues while treating the symptoms.
High Fever
Except in extremely rare occasions (fever greater than 106 F), fever WILL NOT cause brain damage or other injury. Fevers can lead to seizures in children ages 6 months to 5 years, due to a lower seizure threshold at this age. Children should be evaluated if a fever with convulsion occurs, but these events are also generally harmless and do not injure the brain.
Other factors
If your child has experienced a fever after having another illness for more than 3 days, particularly a respiratory illness, it’s important to have an evaluation by a health care provider. They may be at risk for secondary infection such as ear infection or pneumonia. Otherwise, a fever can be treated symptomatically and observed closely as it will likely to resolve on its own.
Home Treatment
Cool washcloths, icepacks, and tepid baths (with close monitoring) are simple ways to help cool down toddlers and older children. Acetaminophen is helpful for lowering fever in children 2 months and up and can be given every four hours. Ibuprofen is very effective in reducing fever for children 6 months and older. DO NOT GIVE children aspirin or over the counter cold medicines for fever.
For more information about Keystone Pediatrics, click here.
This article contains general information only and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment or care by a qualified health care provider.