Fever

Fever

A body temperature greater than 100.4 F. It is a symptom, not a disease. It can be measured under the arm, in the mouth, in the rectum or across forehead

What To Expect:

  • Associated with a viral or bacterial infection. It is how the body fights illness
  • Child will feel hot to the touch
  • Can have chills or feel cold with fever onset
  • Once fever breaks, patient will feel “hot” and sweat
  • Fever can last for several days depending on illness

Important to Know:

  • Fever does NOT always need to be treated, but you give medicine to help the child feel better
  • Dress in light clothes and use a light blanket
  • Give extra fluids (water or Pedialyte)
  • Can place cool cloth to forehead or under arms
  • Do not be concerned with the number, focus on reducing the fever
  • With most illnesses, the child will be contagious for as long as the fever lasts

When to call the clinic:

  • Temperature of 100.4 F or greater and less than 2 months old
  • Fever lasting greater than 48 hours at any age
  • Child is crying constantly or very fussy and not consoled
  • Little energy, weakness
  • Sleeping more and/or is difficult to wake up
  • Neck pain or stiffness
  • Poor intake or less wet diapers than normal

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