Talking about fevers in children with our Plano pediatricians
Our Plano pediatricians get many phone calls from worried parents about fevers in children. A normal temperature is one degree up or down from 98.6ºF. When a child’s temperature is 100.5ºF or higher, it’s a fever. A child’s fever is not usually dangerous, but it’s important to know when to call the pediatrician. It’s also essential for parents to have good information about treating a child’s fever.
What conditions cause fevers?
A fever is the body’s way of trying to regulate the body’s internal temperature. Here are some of the things that cause fevers.
- Ear, throat, sinus and urinary tract infections.
- Respiratory illnesses such as RSV, the common cold, croup, the flu or pneumonia.
- COVID-19 can result in a fever.
- Immunizations can sometimes cause a low-grade fever.
Treating a child’s fever at home
In most cases, treating a child’s fever at home is preferable. Here are some tips for parents and caregivers.
- Keep the child hydrated.
- Don’t overdress the child. Instead, dress him or her in light layers.
- Keep the child’s space cool.
- Encourage rest.
- Sponge the child off with tepid water, but do not give him or her an alcohol bath.
- Give the child the appropriate dosage of ibuprofen or acetaminophen, depending on the child’s age and weight.
- Do not give any child under two medications without contacting our pediatricians.
When to call our Plano pediatricians about fevers in children
In general, parents with children three months of age and older don’t need to call the pediatrician unless the fever is 104ºF or higher. However, if a temperature of 100.4º F or higher lasts for more than one day in a child under age two or more than three days in a child aged two and older, parents should call our physicians.
Additionally, if a child fits the criteria below, parents should call the doctor.
- Fevers in children three months or younger.
- The child can’t stop crying and seems inconsolable.
- It’s hard to wake up the child.
- The child has other symptoms, such as severe pain, stiff neck, unexplained rash or severe diarrhea or vomiting.
Additionally, if a child appears to be having a febrile seizure or convulsion, contact your pediatrician right away. During these convulsions, a child may twitch, stiffen, roll the eyes back or become unresponsive for a short time.
For more information about fevers in children, contact our Plano pediatricians. We are here to help you and your little one when they aren’t feeling well.
