when to be concerned about a fever

Fevers can be a common occurrence in early childhood. By the time your child turns one, it’s likely you’ve experienced one or two instances where they ran a fever. While fevers may seem scary to parents, the good news is that a fever isn’t necessarily a bad thing. They’re an indication that your kiddo’s body is hard at work fighting against germs! Learn more about fevers, why they happen, how to help your child and when to be concerned about a fever. 

what are the common causes of a fever? 

Fevers often happen when a child has an infection or other illness. A fever helps the body stimulate the immune system to fight the infection or illness. Experts believe turning up the heat makes the body a less comfortable place for germs that cause illness. 

what’s the best way to check my child for fever?

Today, there are many different options when it comes to thermometers and taking your child’s temperature. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has provided the following recommendations for the different methods of temperature-taking:

Taking an oral temperature:

• Wait 15 minutes after the child has been eating or drinking before taking a temperature. 
• Clean thermometer. 
• Turn the thermometer on and place the tip under the tongue toward the back of the child’s mouth. Hold in place for a minute until you hear a beep. 

Taking an axillary (armpit) temperature: 

• Turn on the thermometer and place the small end in your child’s armpit (thermometer should touch skin, not clothing). 
• Gently hold the arm in place until the thermometer beeps. 

Taking a forehead temperature:

• Forehead thermometers can be used on children of any age.
• Follow the instructions on the package for how to aim the sensor across your child’s forehead.
• Read your child’s temperature on the digital display screen.
• Using forehead thermometers outside in direct sunlight may affect readings.

Taking a tympanic (ear) temperature: 

The AAP advises against using this method for infants younger than 3 months. While a tympanic thermometer provides speedy results, the device needs to be inserted at the right angle in a child’s ear to provide an accurate reading. Don’t use these devices right after a child has been swimming, bathing or if ear pain is present. 

• Place a clean cover on the cone-shaped end. 
• Pull the ear backward slightly, and gently place the thermometer in the ear canal. Try to aim the probe toward the child’s eye on the opposite side of the head. 
• Turn on the thermometer; remove after it beeps.  

what can I do to treat a fever at home? 

When it comes to fever, treat the child and not the number. 

• If your child clearly isn’t feeling well and has a fever, you may treat it with Tylenol or Motrin based on their age and weight. 
• If they are active and playful, eating and drinking, and have a 101 fever, it is okay to just let the fever run its course and fight the illness that is triggering the response. 
• If the child has a history of febrile seizures, treat at the start of a fever to prevent quick rises and falls of temperature. 
• If the fever is over 104, treat it to bring it down into the 101-103 range to make them more comfortable. Treating a fever does not mean the temperature has to come back to 98.6 . It is ok if your child is still feverish. 

If your child has a fever, encourage a variety of fluids. Small and frequent sips of fluids will keep the child hydrated and feeling a bit better. Lukewarm baths can also be comforting to your child and may help reduce their temperature.  

when should I seek medical attention for my child’s fever? 

If your child has a fever: 

• Over 103 and is not responding to Motrin or Tylenol 
• Steady for more than 5 days 
• Not feeling better after fever improved with Motrin or Tylenol 
• Fever without cough or cold symptoms 
• Signs of dehydration (decreased wet diapers, not making tears when crying) 
• Increased work of breathing 

If your child's pediatrician is unavailable, you can save your spot for a visit at one of Dayton Children’s four Kids Express locations in Beavercreek, Mason, Springboro or West Chester.

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