Directions 970-609-7337

October 2024

Managing Your Child's Fever: Tips with Dr. Katie Joy

What is a Fever?

A fever is usually caused by infections from viruses (such as a cold or the flu) or bacteria (such as strep throat or some ear infections).The fever itself is not the disease, only a sign that the body’s defenses are trying to fight an infection. Fever is often just a number - treat the child.

What type of thermometer should you select?

  • Digital devices can measure temperatures in your child’s mouth or rectum. As with any device, some digital thermometers are more accurate than others. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, and be sure the thermometer is calibrated.
  • Ear thermometers are another acceptable choice. Their accuracy depends on the ability of the beam emitted by the device to reach the eardrum. Thus, some of these devices may not be as reliable because of earwax or a small curved ear canal. For that reason, most pediatricians prefer that parents use digital electronic thermometers.

Where do you take the temperature?

  • Oral or under the arm
  • Rectal is the core temperature - obtain only if instructed to

Tips on Taking Temperature:

  • If oral - do not take after child drinks cold or warm liquids.
  • Do not take a temperature of a swaddled baby - start by un-swaddling to one clothing layer.

Managing Elevated Temperature:

Once you've identified a fever, the most important things you can do is to make sure they get enough fluid, so they do not get dehydrated. Signs of dehydration include crying without tears, a dry mouth, and fewer wet diapers/bathroom visits. While you may instinctively want to bring your child to the doctor's office, it may not be necessary—especially if the child seems fine once their discomfort is treated.

Not all elevated temperatures need to be treated - if the temperature is < 102 and the child is comfortable let their body do its job and fight the illness. If uncomfortable it is okay to intervene.

  • Do not overdress your child. A single layer of clothing is good. If your child is shivering or has the chills, give them a blanket. Make them comfortable.
  • Giving a child acetaminophen or ibuprofen will usually reduce a fever. It is important to make sure you give the right dose to your child. Do not give children Aspirin.

When To Call:

  • The child looks very ill, is unusually drowsy or is very fussy.
  • The child has other symptoms, such as a stiff neck, severe headache, severe sore throat, severe ear pain, an unexplained rash or repeated vomiting or diarrhea.
  • The child has signs of dehydration, such as a dry mouth, sunken soft spot or no urination for >6 hours and unable to take in fluids.
  • The child has had a seizure.
  • Is younger than 2 months (8 weeks) and has a temperature of 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher
  • Your child still "acts sick" once his fever is brought down.
  • Your child seems to be getting worse.
  • The fever lasts for more than 3 days (72 hours).