Colin Snow
Fevers in children can be distressing for parents, but they are usually not serious and the child will recover within a few days. A fever is the body's way of fighting an infection and producing helpful antibodies. It is considered a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or greater. If your child has a fever, it is important to make them comfortable and monitor them for signs of serious illness. If your child has a fever greater than 102 degrees Fahrenheit, it is recommended to check in with a doctor. Additionally, if the fever has lasted for more than two to three days, it is advised to seek medical advice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fever accompanied by | Dark rash, sleepiness, irritability, dehydration, discomfort |
| Fever caused by | Infection, vaccinations, procedures involving anesthesia, overdressing |
| Fever treatment | Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, fever-reducer medications, lightweight clothing |
| Fever duration | 2-3 days, 48 hours, 4 days |
| Fever temperature | 100.4-102 degrees, 104 degrees |
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What You'll Learn
Fevers are the body's way of fighting infection
Fevers are a common occurrence in young children, and they can be a cause for concern for parents. While it is understandable to worry about a child's fever, it is important to remember that fevers are typically a sign that the body is fighting an infection.
A fever is a physiological response that has been observed across many species in the animal kingdom for hundreds of millions of years. Infections are caused by pathogens, which can be microbes such as certain bacteria, fungi, or protozoans. When these microbes or viruses invade the body, they replicate within our cells. In response, our immune system treats these infected cells as pathogens.
The main way that fever helps control infections is by raising the body's temperature, creating heat-induced stress on the pathogens. This higher temperature inhibits their growth or kills them. Even a slight increase in body temperature can affect how effectively the body kills pathogens. Additionally, the heat of fever enhances the functionality of immune cells, allowing them to better defend the body.
Fevers are not just a byproduct of the immune response but an active part of it. An elevated body temperature triggers cellular mechanisms that ensure the immune system takes appropriate action against the invading pathogen. This includes the activation of certain proteins that switch on and off genes responsible for the immune response.
While fevers are generally beneficial, they can sometimes indicate something more serious. Parents should be vigilant and seek medical advice if a fever lasts for more than two to three days, if their child is drinking and urinating much less than usual, or if there are other concerning symptoms such as extreme sleepiness, irritability, or a dark rash.
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Mild fevers can be therapeutic and help children fight infections
A fever is a temporary rise in body temperature and is usually caused by an infection. It is the body's way of fighting an infection and "killing the germ". Fevers below 104°F (40°C) associated with common viral infections may help the immune system fight disease and are generally not harmful. In fact, the body temperature usually fluctuates from one degree below 98.6 to one above, with lower body temperatures occurring early in the day and higher temperatures in the afternoon.
Children may create pyrogens for each new infection they come in contact with, as their immune systems are still developing. Adults, on the other hand, may have already created immunity to those infections. Fevers in children are usually nothing to worry about and are the body's way of stimulating the immune system to fight the infection. Doctors also think that the higher temperature makes it harder for germs to grow.
However, it is important to monitor your child's fever and look out for any signs of discomfort or dehydration. If the fever lasts for more than two to four days without a source of infection, it is recommended to consult a doctor. For children who are uncomfortable due to a fever, medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin) can be given to reduce the fever.
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Fevers in newborns are considered an emergency
A fever in a child can be worrying for parents, and it is important to know when to seek medical help. Fevers in newborns are considered an emergency, and parents are advised to call their baby's healthcare provider right away if their baby is younger than 3 months old and has a rectal temperature or a forehead (temporal) temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. This temperature reading indicates a fever and the baby should be taken to the closest emergency room for assessment.
Newborns have an underdeveloped system for controlling body temperature, and their bodies may struggle to regulate temperature if they are overdressed, wrapped in blankets, or in a hot environment. Fevers in newborns can be a sign of a serious infection, and even if the baby appears overdressed, a fever should always be checked by a doctor. Newborns may also not be taking in enough breast milk or formula, which can cause an increase in body temperature. Other signs to look out for include changes in activity, feeding, or skin colour. A flushed face and restlessness may indicate a baby is overheated.
For older children, a fever is usually not dangerous and can be beneficial in stimulating the immune system to fight infection. However, there are some circumstances where a fever in an older child requires medical attention. If a fever lasts for more than 2-3 days, or if the child is drinking much less than usual and may be dehydrated, it is advised to seek medical advice. A child with a fever who is extremely sleepy or irritable should also be checked by a doctor.
It is important to take your child's temperature to confirm a fever. A digital thermometer is recommended, and there are different ways of taking a temperature that are more accurate than others. For children under 3 years old, a rectal temperature reading is the most accurate, while an armpit (axillary) reading is the least reliable but can be used as a first pass to check a child of any age. If a child is uncomfortable, appropriate doses of acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be given.
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Overdressing can cause a fever
A fever is a body temperature of over 100.4°F (38°C). While fever is typically caused by an infection, it is normal for body temperature to fluctuate throughout the day, and factors such as warm clothing can cause a small rise in temperature.
It is important to dress children in comfortable clothing or pajamas, avoiding too many layers or bundling up. This is particularly crucial when putting children to bed, as they may kick off their blankets or bedding during the night, leading to overdressing and potential overheating.
If your 2-year-old only has a fever while sleeping, it could be due to overdressing or being too warm under the covers. To prevent this, ensure your child is wearing comfortable pajamas and that the bedroom is at a comfortable temperature. Offer extra fluids to drink throughout the day and ensure they are well-hydrated before sleep.
If your child's fever persists or they show any other symptoms, such as extreme sleepiness, irritability, or decreased urination, consult a doctor.
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When to seek medical advice
Fever is the body's way of fighting an infection and killing germs. While fever is a common occurrence in children, it can be a scary experience for parents, especially first-timers. Most fevers are mild and can be treated at home, but sometimes medical care or a trip to the ER is necessary.
- For children under 3 months old with a fever: Call a healthcare provider immediately. Fevers in newborns may be the only sign of a serious illness, and their small bodies are still building up their defences.
- For children over 3 months old with a fever: Contact a healthcare provider if your child's fever is higher than 104°F (40°C), or if it doesn't respond to fever-reducing medication.
- If the fever lasts more than 2-5 days: Most fevers with viral illnesses last for 2 to 3 days and are not harmful. However, if the fever persists beyond this timeframe, it may be a sign of an underlying cause that requires medical attention.
- Dehydration: If your child is drinking and urinating much less than usual, they may be dehydrated. Dehydration is a concern, especially in younger children, and requires medical attention.
- Other symptoms: If your child experiences a seizure, a dark rash, or extreme sleepiness/irritability along with the fever, seek immediate medical advice. Trust your instincts and don't hesitate to contact your child's pediatrician if you have any concerns or questions.
- Forehead temperature readings: It is important to note that forehead strips are not accurate for fever detection. Ensure that you use a digital forehead thermometer for accurate temperature readings.
Remember, fever-reducing medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin) can help manage your child's fever and make them more comfortable. However, if these medications are ineffective in reducing the fever, it may be a sign to seek medical advice.
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Frequently asked questions
Fever is the body's way of fighting an infection. It is common for children to get fevers, and they usually return to normal within a few days. If the fever has lasted for more than two to three days, contact your doctor.
You can give your child acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin). Always follow the package directions for dosage and frequency. Do not give ibuprofen to a child under 6 months old.
Teething can cause a slight rise in body temperature, but it is not considered a fever unless it is higher than 100°F (37.8°C). Teething can cause inflammation, making it easier for germs to enter the body and cause an infection, leading to a fever.
If your child has a fever greater than 102°F (39°C), contact your doctor. Other signs to look out for include difficulty moving, trouble breathing, dehydration, and purple or blood-red spots on the skin.
Febrile seizures are seizures triggered by a fever. While they can be scary to witness, they usually last a few minutes and are harmless. They do not cause brain damage or increase the risk for developmental delays or learning disabilities.
