FEVER

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR FEVER

Reassurance: Your child probably has an early virus infection. Most fevers are good for children and help the body fight infection. Use the following definitions to help put your child's level of fever into perspective:
- 100°-102°F (37.8° - 39°C) low grade fevers and beneficial
- 102°-104°F (39 - 40°C) moderate grade fevers and beneficial
- Above 104°F (40°C) high fevers and cause discomfort, but harmless
- Above 105°F (40.6°C) higher risk of bacterial infections
- Above 108°F (42.3°C) the fever itself can be harmful
Treatment for All Fevers: Extra Fluids and Less Clothing
- Give cold fluids orally in unlimited amounts (reason: good hydration replaces sweat and improves heat loss via skin).
- Dress in 1 layer of light weight clothing and sleep with 1 light blanket (avoid bundling). (Caution: overheated infants can't undress themselves.)
- For fevers 100°-102°F (37.8° - 39°C), this is the only treatment needed (fever medicines are unnecessary).
Fever Medicine: Give acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g. Advil) for fevers above 102°F (39°C), if your child is uncomfortable. The goal of fever therapy is to bring the temperature down to a comfortable level. Remember, the fever medicine usually lowers the fever by 2° to 3°F. See the dosage charts.
- Avoid aspirin (reason: risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but severe brain disease).
Sponging: Sponge for fever above 104°F (40°C) that doesn't come down with acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or ibuprofen AND causes discomfort.
How to sponge: Use lukewarm water (85°-90°F) (29.4° - 32.2°C). (Do not use rubbing alcohol.)
Always give fever medicine first. Sponge for 20-30 minutes. If your child shivers or becomes cold, stop sponging or increase the water temperature. (NOTE: Sponging is optional for high fevers, not required.)
Contagiousness: Your child can return to day care or school after the fever is gone.
Expected Course of Fever: Most fevers associated with viral illnesses fluctuate between 101° and 104°F (38.4° and 40°C) and last for 2 or 3 days.
Call Your Doctor If:
- Fever goes above 104°F (40° C).
- Fever without a cause persists for more than 24 hours. (if age less than 2 years)
- Any fever occurs if < 12 weeks old
- Fever lasts for more than 3 days (72 hours).
- Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 8/2004

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