Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
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For an illustration of methods for measuring temperature, press here

What is a fever?

A fever means the body temperature is above normal. Your child has a fever if:

• The rectal temperature is over 100.4ƒ F (38ƒ C).
• The temperature taken by mouth is over 99.5ƒ F (37.5ƒ C).
• The armpit temperature is over 99.0ƒ F (37.2ƒ C).

Fever helps fight infections. Most fevers are not harmful. They may last 2 or 3 days.

How can I take care of my child?

• Use medicine only if the child needs it. Remember that fever helps your child fight the infection. Use medicine only if the fever is over 102ƒ F (39ƒ C) and your child is uncomfortable.
  • You can give acetaminophen (Tylenol) to children older than 2 months. Fever medicine lowers the fever by 2 to 3ƒ F (1 to 2ƒ C).
  • You may want to give your child ibuprofen instead. Ibuprofen (Advil) works 2 hours longer than acetaminophen. Give the right dose for your child's weight, every 6 to 8 hours, as needed.
• Do not give your child aspirin.
• Sponge your child if the fever does not go down. Sponge your child if your child's temperature stays over 104ƒ F (40ƒ C) 30 minutes after your child has taken acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Always give your child acetaminophen first. Sit your child in only 2 inches of lukewarm water. Sponge off the child's skin. If your child shivers, stop sponging or put in more warm water.
• Have your child drink a lot of cold fluids.
• Have your child wear as little clothing as possible. Do not bundle up your child. It will make the fever go higher.

For fevers of 100 to 102ƒ F (37.8 to 38.9ƒ C), cold fluids and little clothing may be all your child needs. Your child shouldn't need acetaminophen.

Call your child's doctor right away if:

• Your child is less than 3 months old.
• Your child's fever is over 105ƒ F (40.6ƒ C).
• Your child looks or acts very sick.

Call your child's doctor within 24 hours if:

• Your child is 3 to 6 months old (unless the fever is due to a DTP shot).
• The fever is between 104 and 105ƒ F (40 to 40.6ƒ C).
• Your child has had a fever more than 24 hours and you don't know what is causing it.
• Your child has had a fever for more than 3 days.
• The fever went away for over 24 hours and then came back.
• You have other concerns or questions.