Fact Sheets : Fever In Children
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What causes fever?
Fever is a symptom and not a diagnosis or a medical condition. The most common
cause of a fever in children is an infection, mostly viral but in some cases bacterial.
One of the challenges in evaluating children with fever is trying to determine
the cause, or at least to making sure it is not due a bacterial. This distinction
is important, as viral infections do not need antibiotic treatment, but bacterial
infections usually do. In general, the younger the child, the sicker looking the
child and/or the longer the fever persists, the higher the chance is of a bacterial
infection. Also, as important as the degree of fever is how a febrile child generally
looks; For example, a sick looking child with a low fever may be more ill than
a very well, active child with a higher fever.
What is the normal range of body temperature?
The ranges of normal body temperature are:
Measured rectally:36.6º - 38º (C), or 97.9º - 100.4º (F)
By mouth:
35.5º to 37.5º (C), or 95.9º - 99.5º (F)
Axillary(armpit):
34.7º to 37.3º (C), or 94.5º - 99.1º (F)
What body temperature is considered to be fever?
The normal body temperature is usually 98.6º F (37º C). A child is considered
to have a fever depending on how the temperature is taken. If the temperature
is over: 100.4º F(38º C) rectally, 100º F(37.8º C) orally or 99º F(37.2º C) axillary(armpit),
the child is considered to have a fever.
How can the fever be lowered?
Lowering the temperature with Acetaminophen (Tylenol or Tempra) can help your
child feel better and less irritable. It usually takes up to 60-90 minutes for
the fever to go down. Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) should not be used.
If Acetaminophen doesn't bring the temperature down, then the child could be given
a luke-warm sponge bath. Do not use cool or cold compresses or baths and never
use alcohol sponging. If your child is on antibiotics, it generally takes 48 hours
before they start to work. During this time, Acetaminophen may still be given
to control the fever.
When to call your doctor about your child's fever?
Worrisome or alarm signs:
- If the fever is higher than 103º F(39.5 º C) rectal or...
- If your child appears unwell or unusually ill(this applies even when there
is no fever) or...
- Persistent fever(more than 3-4 days) or...
- If your child is less than 6 months of age
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For more child health and wellness information on-line, visit http://www.drpaul.com
Pediatrician DR.PAUL Roumeliotis is certified by the American
Board of Pediatrics and Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
The information provided on this fact sheet is designed to be an educational
aid only. It is not intended to replace the advice and care of your child's
physician, nor is it intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment.
If you suspect that your child has a medical condition always consult a physician.
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