A fever often makes parents worried and nervous, but remember a fever is a protective and natural response to infection.

When your child has a temperature, it is more important to focus on the symptoms and underlying illness. Intervening to make your child more comfortable is appropriate and the decision to give Tylenol or Motrin does not need to be based on a specific temperature but rather how the child looks and behaves. For many children, a fever of 104.0F or even higher is tolerated without ill effect.

A fever is considered a temperature of 100.4 F (38C). A child’s temperature can be measured in several ways. Rectal temperature is closest to core body temperature. Oral temperature is at least 1 degree less than rectal temperature. Axillary temperature does not have a direct correlation with rectal temperature and can be difficult to interpret. Infrared thermometers have limitations due to faulty placement or environmental factors.

Warning symptoms to seek medical attention/a trip to Edgewood:

• Is 3 months of age or younger.
• Has had a seizure.
• Is vomiting and can’t keep fluids down.
• Refuses to drink.
• No urine output in over 8 hours.
• Very sleepy or difficult to arouse.
• Unusually irritable or fussy and truly inconsolable.
• Acting confused/inappropriate responses.
• Trouble breathing.
• Develops a rash.
• Pain or stiffness in the neck.
• Fever for longer than 5 days.
• Seems to be improving but suddenly worsens.
• You are very worried about your child and just want them checked out—trust your gut!