What is
Fever?
• Fever is your body’s normal reaction to an infection – it is a good thing.
• In children under 2 months; Fever is temperature greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
• In children older than 2 months; Fever is temperature greater than 101 degrees Fahrenheit.
• A temperature less than 100.4 is normal and does not need to be treated.
What is the best way to take your child's
Temperature?
• In babies under 2 months, rectal temperatures are the most accurate and should always be used.
• In children greater than 2 months of age, an underarm temperature may be used. You do not need to add or subtract a degree.
• Ear thermometers are not very accurate.
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?
•
Acetaminophen is sold under the brand name
Tylenol.
•
Ibuprofen is sold under the brand name
Motrin and
Advil.
• Children less than 6 months of age can be given acetaminophen (Tylenol) every 4 hours as needed.
• Children over 6 months of age can be give Tylenol every 4 hours or Ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) every 6 hours as needed.
• Tylenol and Motrin/Advil are two different medicines. They should
NOT 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.
Call our office if:
• 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
.
