Fever - friend or foe?

Our body is amazingly designed to heal itself and alert us to areas of concern. Today, our go-to pediatrician Dr. Deepa Sukumar, has some great information on fevers and the precious little members in our families. 

*Fever is usually a sign that the body is fighting infection.

*Fever is 100.4 F or more when measured rectally, or using a forehead or an ear thermometer. 100 F when measured orally. 99 F or more when measured in the axilla.

*Measuring your child's temperature rectally (for babies) or orally (for older children) is the most accurate way to diagnose a fever. Ear and temporal artery (forehead) thermometers are also good.

*The height of a child's fever is not always the best indicator of whether the child needs to be treated and/or evaluated. Instead, it is important to note how a child behaves and appears. If  your child is active, alert, eating and drinking well, smiling and has normal skin color and is playful when the fever comes down, usually the illness is not serious (however always talk to a doctor when in doubt.)

*Fever can be treated with acetaminophen (brand name Tylenol) or ibuprofen (brand name Advil or Motrin.) Acetaminophen can be given every 4 to 6 hours (not more than 5 times a day), and ibuprofen can be given every 6 to 8 hours. Ibuprofen should not be given to children less than 6 months of age. Always consult your doctor regarding the dose of medication because the dose is based on the weight of the child.

*Never give aspirin to a child with fever since it may cause a serious illness called Reye's syndrome.

*Also when your child has fever, dress your child in lightweight clothing because overdressing can cause the fever to increase.

*Give your child a lukewarm bath. A cold water bath will cause the child to shiver and increase his/her temperature. Never leave your child unattended in the bathtub and do not use alcohol rubs.

*If your child is less than 3 months old and has a fever, call a doctor immediately.

*If your child refuses looks ill or has signs of dehydration (passing lesser urine than normal), or has any chronic medical condition, or rash, or pain while peeing or appears irritable, or has trouble breathing or has headache or neck pain or has a history of febrile seizures OR if you have any concerns contact a pediatrician immediately.

To reach out to Dr, Sukumar, who is a board certified pediatrician, via secure video call or text 844.230.3300 or go to gracemdconnect.com. 

The information contained herein is not meant to treat or diagnose any condition. Always consult a physician.

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