Fever
We know this can be a stressful time with lots of information from healthcare providers. It can be difficult to absorb everything.
We hope the following pages will be helpful in providing you with the education and resources you need to support your child from home.
What is a fever?
Fever is a common symptom in children. It is the body's natural response to an illness, most commonly a viral or bacterial infection.
You can measure your child's temperature with a thermometer. The following resource outlines the best way to measure temperature and what constitutes a fever for each method.
What to do at home
Click below for information on ways to help at home.
Track your child's symptoms
Keep track of your child's fever and document details such as:
- date and time
- temperature reading and how it was measured (e.g., mouth, armpit)
- any medications given and if they helped with the fever
It is also important to pay attention to other symptoms that may help your healthcare provider understand what is causing the fever. Track symptoms as they appear and document any details you feel are important.
Fever management
To help reduce fever, you can give your child acetaminophen
(Tylenol) and, if your child is older than 3 months,
ibuprofen (Advil), so long as your child does not have
allergies or other reasons not to take these medications.
Unless your doctor advises you otherwise, give the dose
recommended on the medication package.
Safe Acetaminophen Dosing for Infants and Children
Mount Sinai - Ibuprofen Dosing for Infants and
Children
Does my child need antibiotics?
It depends on what is causing your child's fever.
Antibiotics are used to treat infections caused by bacteria. This can include things like pneumonia, strep throat, bladder infections and some skin infections.
However, a fever can also be caused by other illnesses. For example, fever is commonly due to a viral infection. Viruses and bacteria can both cause infection but are different bugs. Bacteria can be killed using antibiotics. Viruses cannot be killed by antibiotics.
If your healthcare provider thinks your child's fever is due to a bacterial infection, they will prescribe an antibiotic. Please follow the instructions provided by the physician and on the prescription. If you have questions please speak with your primary care provider or pharmacist.
When to seek medical attention
Here are some signs that, if present, should lead you to seek immediate medical attention for your child:
- excessively sleepy, lethargic, or not responsive child
- excessively cranky, fussy, or irritable child
- fast or laboured breathing
- cyanosis (blue lips or fingers)
- seizure
- poor intake leading to dehydration (dry mouth, sunken eyes, no tears, dark urine, no urine for more than 8-12 hours)
Follow Up
Unless instructed otherwise, if your child's fever persists for more than 48 hours, please have them seen by their primary care provider. Of course, if you feel your child needs immediate medical attention, please do not hesitate to call 911 or bring them to your closest emergency department.
We hope this has been useful. Thank you for using Paediatrics@home!