Fevers are a common sign of illness and the vast majority of them will resolve on their own and do not require medical treatment.
What is the best way to check a temperature?
For children less than 2 months, a rectal temperature is the only acceptable measurement. Until your child can hold a thermometer under his tongue, a rectal temperature is still the most accurate. After about age 3-4 years, an oral temperature is the best method. Temporal, ear, and underarm measurements are okay after a few months of age but take the reading with a grain of salt; confirm with a rectal temperature if you're getting alarming numbers.
How high is too high?
Many viruses can cause fever as high as 105, especially in young children. We don’t worry about the number on the thermometer as much as how your child looks and acts. In an otherwise healthy child, the body will not create a fever high enough to cause brain damage (typically it takes an external source, like being locked in a hot car, for this to happen).
Should I panic?!
Probably not, but we have heightened concern with…
-an infant under 2 months of age must be taken immediately to the ER with a rectal temp of ≥100.4
-if your child is missing vaccines for any reason (remember to alert the triage nurse or doctor that your child is under vaccinated)
-if your child has any immune compromising conditions or significant medical problems
-lethargy-a child who is so sleepy she won’t even lift her head up off the bed or is difficult to arouse
Call us immediately in these cases
What should I look out for?
-dehydration-less than 3-4 wet diapers/pees per day, no tears with crying, inside of the mouth looks dry, fontanelle sunken down (in an infant)
-duration of fever-more than 1 day in a child under 1 year, more than 2 days in a child under 2 years, more than 3 days for all other children
-increased work of breathing
Call us or come to walk ins with any of these symptoms, or with any other symptoms that concern you. Please give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen if he/she is uncomfortable before coming into the office! We will still believe you that your child had a fever, but the exam is much easier and more accurate when the kids feel a bit better and will cooperate.