Because fevers can rise and fall, a child might have chills as the body's temperature begins to rise.
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The child may sweat to release extra heat as the temperature starts to drop. Sometimes kids with a fever breathe faster than usual and may have a faster heart rate.
Call the doctor if your child has trouble breathing, is breathing faster than normal, or is still breathing fast after the fever comes down. Again, not all fevers need to be treated. In most cases, a fever should be treated only if it's causing a child discomfort. If your child is fussy or uncomfortable, you can give acetaminophen or ibuprofen based on the package recommendations for age or weight.
Unless instructed by a doctor, never give aspirin to a child due to its association with Reye syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal disease. If you don't know the recommended dose or your child is younger than 2 years old, call the doctor to find out how much to give. Infants younger than 2 months old should not be given any medicine for fever without being checked by a doctor.
If your child has any medical problems, check with the doctor to see which medicine is best to use. Remember that fever medicine can temporarily bring a temperature down, but usually won't return it to normal — and it won't treat the underlying reason for the fever. Dress your child in lightweight clothing and cover with a light sheet or blanket. Overdressing and overbundling can prevent body heat from escaping and can cause the temperature to rise. While some parents use lukewarm sponge baths to lower fever, this method only helps temporarily, if at all.
In fact, sponge baths can make kids uncomfortable. Offer plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration because fevers make kids lose fluids more rapidly than usual. Water, soup, ice pops, and flavored gelatin are all good choices. Avoid drinks with caffeine, including colas and tea, because they can make dehydration worse by increasing urination peeing. You can find these at drugstores and supermarkets. Don't offer sports drinks — they're not made for younger children and the added sugars can make diarrhea worse. Also, limit your child's intake of fruits and apple juice. In general, let kids eat what they want in reasonable amounts , but don't force it if they don't feel like it.
Fever: What you need to know
Make sure your child gets plenty of rest. Staying in bed all day isn't necessary, but a sick child should take it easy.
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It's best to keep a child with a fever home from school or childcare. Most doctors feel that it's safe to return when the temperature has been normal for 24 hours. The exact temperature that should trigger a call to the doctor depends on a child's age, the illness, and whether there are other symptoms with the fever. Get emergency care if your child shows any of these signs:.
Fevers (for Parents)
All kids get fevers, and in most cases they're completely back to normal within a few days. For older babies and kids, the way they act can be more important than the reading on your thermometer. Everyone gets a little cranky when they have a fever. This is normal and should be expected.
But if you're ever in doubt about what to do or what a fever might mean, or if your child is acting ill in a way that concerns you even if there's no fever, always call your doctor for advice. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. Fever also activates your body's immune system. Treatment depends on the cause of your fever.
If the fever is very high, your health care provider may recommend taking an over-the-counter medicine such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Adults can also take aspirin, but children with fevers should not take aspirin. It is also important to drink enough liquids, to prevent dehydration. See, Play and Learn No links available. Research Clinical Trials Journal Articles. Resources Find an Expert. Other causes of fevers include Medicines, including some antibiotics , blood pressure medicines , and anti-seizure medicines Heat illness Cancers Autoimmune diseases Some childhood immunizations Treatment depends on the cause of your fever.
Yao syndrome National Library of Medicine. Fever National Institutes of Health.