Fever

Fever is your body’s normal reaction to an infection – it is actually a good thing!

A fever is a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or greater.

A temperature below 100.4 is considered normal and does not need to be treated.

Rectal temperatures are the most accurate and should always be used in babies under 2 months.

Underarm temperatures can be used for children older than 2 months and do not require adding or subtracting a degree.

Ear and forehead thermometers are often inaccurate and are not recommended.

Fever itself will not harm your child, whether it is 101°F or 104°F. Fever is a sign that your child’s body is fighting an infection.

The most important factor is how your child looks and feels rather than the actual temperature number. If your child is alert, drinking fluids, and generally tolerating the fever well, treatment may not be necessary. However, if they are uncomfortable and not drinking fluids, you should consider lowering the temperature and reassessing their condition.

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.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) are the two recommended fever reducers.

For children under 6 months: Only Acetaminophen should be used every 4 hours as needed, with a maximum of 5 doses in 24 hours.

For children 6 months and older: Acetaminophen can be given every 4 hours, or Ibuprofen can be given every 6 hours as needed.

Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen work differently, so they can be alternated for better fever management. For example, you can give Acetaminophen, 3 hours later, give Ibuprofen. Then 3 hours later, Acetaminophen can be given again. 

These medications should only be given when your child has a fever.

Expect 30-45 minutes before fever medications take effect.

These medications do not help with congestion, cough, or other cold symptoms.

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Any infant under 2 months with a fever.

A fever lasting longer than 72 hours.

A fever that does not respond to Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen.

If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to our office!