What is fever?

  • Fever is your body’s normal reaction to an infection – it is a good thing
  • Fever is a temperature of greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit
  • A temperature less than 100.4 is normal and does not need to be treated.

What is the best way to take a temperature?

  • Rectal temperatures are the most accurate and should always be used in babies under 2 months
  • An underarm temperature in children greater than 2 months of age may be used. You do not need to add or subtract a degree.
  • Ear thermometers are notoriously inaccurate.

Should I be afraid of a fever? NO!!

  • Fever will not cause brain damage and will not hurt your child whether it is 101 or 104. Remember, fever is a good thing. It is your body fighting an infection.
  • How your child looks and feels is more important than the number on the thermometer. Bring the fever down, then assess how your child is feeling.

Why should I treat a fever?

  • While your child has a fever, they may feel achy and lethargic.
  • Treating the fever may make your child feel better in the interim, although it will not make the infection go away.

What medicines can I use to treat a fever?

  • TYLENOL is the brand name for ACETAMINOPHEN • MOTRIN and ADVIL are brand names for IBUPROFEN
  • Children less than 6 months of age can be given ACETAMINOPHEN (TYLENOL) every 4 hours as needed.
  • Children 6 months of age and older can be given TYLENOL every 4 hours or IBUPROFEN (MOTRIN/ADVIL) every 6 hours as needed.
  • TYLENOL and MOTRIN/ADVIL are two different medicines. They shouldn’t be given at the same time. TYLENOL needs to be given 4 hours from TYLENOL. MOTRIN/ADVIL needs to be given 6 hours from MOTRIN/ADVIL. Because they are different medicines, they can be given closer together. For example you can give TYLENOL then 2-3 hours later give MOTRIN/ADVIL then 2-3 hours later give TYLENOL…
  • These medicines should only be given when your child actually has a fever.
  • TYLENOL and IBUPROFEN take approximately 30 minutes to work. Give the medicine time to work.
  • Please take a TYLENOL and IBUPROFEN dosage form at the front desk the next time you visit the office, or click here for our Dosage Form online.

When you should call our office

  • Any child less than 2 months of age has a fever
  • Fever persists longer than 72 hours
  • Fever does not respond to Tylenol or ibuprofen