Most parents believe that a fever indicates that a child is seriously ill and that a high fever will cause brain damage in children. Fever is actually the immune system fighting a virus or bacteria. Fever may not feel friendly, but it is not necessarily a foe. It helps the body fight the infection. Temperatures vary throughout the day and differ by age, activity level, and other factors. Most doctors consider 100.4 F to 100.9 F as the beginning of a fever, but parents will give Tylenol for elevated temperatures (below 100 F).
The following are important things to know about fever.
·
Normal temperature taken by mouth is 98.6
degrees Fahrenheit.
·
A high temperature may indicate serious illness
in teens and adults, but may not in children under 12.
·
Rectal temperatures are most accurate, but are
most important in the first 6 months of life. Armpit (axillary) temperature is
appropriate for any age. A digital
multiuse thermometer may be the only kind needed.
·
Children with a fever should be kept comfortable
and be given lots of fluids, ice chips, and popsicles. Dress them in light clothing. Tylenol may be
alternated with ibuprofen.
·
If the child is not too uncomfortable and the
fever not too high, it does not necessarily need to be treated.