In a child, a temperature reading of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or over is a fever. This problem typically goes away in a day or two, but sometimes warrants a trip to the pediatrician. If you’re a new parent, you may wonder how to care for your little one when they’re under the weather. Here, learn what steps to take and when to visit a doctor. 

Childhood Fevers: What You Need to Know

Why They Occur

Fevers are the body’s way of fighting pathogens. While elevated temperatures can briefly occur from immunizations and overdressing a child, they are usually due to viral infections or illnesses.

Other, more serious causes include heat stroke, reactions to certain medications, brain disorders, some cancers such as lymphoma and leukemia, blood transfusions, and autoimmune diseases like lupus.

How to Treat One

Monitor your child’s fever over the next few days and dress them in lightweight, breathable clothing to help bring their temperature down.

Encourage them to rest and sleep, which will help their body fight the virus.

Sweating will cause them to lose fluids, so provide plenty of water to avoid dehydration, as well as water-based foods such as soups. Avoid any foods or drinks with caffeine, such as soda, due to diuretic properties that increase urination and promote dehydration.

Ice pops can help your child cool down. When you bathe them, use only lukewarm water to keep them at a stable temperature. You can also give them children’s versions of acetaminophen and ibuprofen to bring down the fever. Follow all dosage instructions.

When to Take Your Child to the Pediatrician

If your child’s fever lasts for more than five days, visit a pediatrician. You should also visit a doctor if the fever is accompanied by symptoms including prolonged diarrhea and vomiting, fast breathing or breathing difficulties, bodily pain and movement issues, dark rashes, pain during urination, seizures, blue skin and lips, or resistance to eating or drinking. These could indicate serious infections and require medical attention.

To stay safe, you should also take your child to the pediatrician if they are younger than three months and have temperature readings of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If they’re older, temperatures of over 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit also warrant a doctor visit.

Don’t wait on a high fever with additional symptoms. Contact the pediatricians at Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home for the attentive care your child needs. Based in Gloversville, NY, this full-service hospital provides families throughout Fulton County and the surrounding communities with pediatric, adult, and women’s health care. Call (518) 725-8621 today to make an appointment or visit the hospital online for service information.