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Treatment Of Fever In Infants And Children

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Treatment of Fever in Infants and Children

Fever is a sign of illness, not a disease itself. Fevers do not need to be treated unless they

are very high or the child is uncomfortable. Taking the child’s temperature is the only way to

know for sure if there is a fever.

THINGS TO REMEMBER ABOUT TAKING THE TEMPERATURE:

We will be glad to show you how if you are uncertain.

Rectal temperatures are the fastest but may be distressing to the infant or child.

Axillary (under the arm) temperatures are sufficient in a child who cannot hold a

thermometer under the tongue.

Stay with your child while taking the temperature, holding onto a rectal or axillary

thermometer to make sure it stays in place.

Rectal temperatures should be taken for 1-3 minutes. Oral and axillary temperatures

should be taken for 3-5 minutes.

Clean the thermometer with alcohol when you are finished.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

Keep the child cool. Use light clothing and keep the room temperature 70° F. at the

most.

Extra liquids are necessary to replace fluids lost through perspiration and increased

skin temperature. Offer cool liquids every 2-4 hours. Sometimes milk or formula

upsets the stomach, but if there is no vomiting or diarrhea and the child wants milk or

formula, it is fine to give it to him/her.

If the temperature is over 103° F. and acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) is not bringing the

temperature down, sponge bathe for 20 minutes in lukewarm water. Avoid shivering

which will raise the child’s temperature.

CALL YOUR DOCTOR WHEN:

•

Your infant is less than 3 months old and has a temperature of 100.4° F. or more.

•

Your child is 3 months or older and has a temperature over 102° F. for over 24 hours

or 101° F. for over 48 hours.

•

Your child is too sick to take fluids by mouth.

•

You are concerned or have questions about your child’s illness.

•

Your child is uncomfortable or otherwise not acting appropriately for his/her age even

if there is no elevated temperature.

hpc TFIC Rev 03/13

Treatment Of Fever In Infants And Children