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What is a normal temperature?
A normal temperature is about 98.6°F when taken orally (by mouth). Temperatures
taken rectally (by rectum) usually run 1° higher than those taken orally. So a
normal temperature is about 99.6°F when taken rectally. Many doctors define a
fever as an oral temperature above 99.4°F or a rectal temperature above
100.4°F.
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How should I take my child's temperature?
The most accurate way to take your child's temperature is orally or rectally
with a digital thermometer. In a child younger than about 4 years, take the
temperature rectally. In an older child, take it orally.
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Mercury thermometers should not be used. Mercury is an environmental toxin, and
you don't want to risk exposing your family to it. If you have a mercury
thermometer at home, you should remove it and use a digital thermometer.
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Don't bundle your baby or child up too tightly before taking the temperature.
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Never leave your child alone while taking his or her temperature.
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Be sure you use the right thermometer. Read the package instructions to see if
you have an oral or rectal thermometer.
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If you're taking your child's temperature rectally, coat the tip of the
thermometer with petroleum jelly (brand name: Vaseline) and insert it half an
inch into the rectum. Hold the thermometer still and do not let go. When
the thermometer beeps, remove it and check the digital reading.
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If you're taking your child's temperature orally, place the end of the
thermometer under the tongue and leave it there until the thermometer beeps.
Remove the thermometer and check the digital reading.
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After you're done using the thermometer, wash it in cool, soapy water.
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When should I try to lower my child's fever?
Fevers are a sign that the body is fighting an infection. The main reason to
treat your child is to make him or her feel better. When your child is achy and
fussy, you may want to give him or her some medicine.
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How much medicine is needed to lower a fever?
Acetaminophen (brand names: Children's or Infants' Tylenol) relieves pain
and lowers fever. How much acetaminophen your child may need depends on his or
her weight and age, as shown in the chart below. When the age and weight don't
match, use the weight as the main guide. The doses in the chart may be a little
higher than what's on the medicine package. Ask your doctor if you have any
questions.
Talk to your doctor before giving ibuprofen (brand names: Children's Advil,
Children's Motrin) to your child. Your doctor will tell you the correct dose
for your child.
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Age
|
Weight
|
Acetaminophen dose
(every 4 hours)
|
| 0-3 mos |
6-11 lbs. |
Ask your family doctor |
| 4-11 mos |
12-17 lbs. |
80 mg |
| 1-2 yrs |
18-23 lbs. |
120 mg |
| 2-3 yrs |
24-35 lbs. |
160 mg |
| 4-5 yrs |
36-47 lbs. |
240 mg |
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Tips on giving medicine
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Why not use aspirin to lower my child's fever?
In rare cases aspirin can cause Reye's syndrome in children who have the flu or
the chickenpox. Reye's syndrome is a serious illness that can lead to death.
Because it may be hard to tell if your child has one of these infections, it's
best not to use aspirin.
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Are there other ways to help my child feel better?
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Give your child plenty to drink to prevent dehydration (not enough fluid in the
body) and help the body cool itself.
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Keep your child still and quiet.
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Keep the room temperature at about 70°F to 74°F.
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Dress your child in light cotton pajamas so that body heat can escape.
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If your child is chilled, put on an extra blanket but remove it when the chills
stop.
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Will a bath help lower my child's fever?
Used together, acetaminophen and a lukewarm bath may help lower a fever. Give
the acetaminophen before the bath. If the bath is given alone, your child may
start shivering as his or her body tries to raise its temperature again. This
may make your child feel worse. Don't use alcohol or cold water for baths.
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When should I call the doctor?
If your child has any of the warning signs listed in the box below, call
your family doctor.
Under 1 month old. Call your doctor right away if your baby's temperature
goes over 100.5°F rectally, even if he or she doesn't seem sick. Babies this
young can get very sick very quickly.
One to 3 months old. Call your doctor if your baby has a temperature of
100.5°F (even if your baby doesn't seem sick) or a temperature of 99.5°F that
has lasted more than 24 hours.
Three months and older. If your child has a fever of 101.4°F, watch how
he or she acts. Call your doctor if the fever rises or lasts for more than 3
days. In children 3 months to 2 years of age, if the temperature is 102°F, call
your doctor even if your child seems to feel fine.
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Call your doctor if your child has any of these warning signs
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Changes in behavior
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Constant vomiting or diarrhea
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Dry mouth
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Earache or pulling at ears
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Fever comes and goes over several days
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High-pitched crying
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Irritable
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Not hungry
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Pale
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Seizures
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Severe headache
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Skin rash
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Sore or swollen joints
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Sore throat
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Stiff neck
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Stomach pain
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Swelling of the soft spot on the head
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Unresponsive or limp
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Wheezing or problems breathing
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