It can be a very difficult time when your child has a fever, and it's not always easy to know what to do. While this article aims to provide some guidance, if you are concerned about fever symptoms then you can reach out to your local Cohasset, MA, pediatricians of Child & Adolescent Health Specialists.

Fever

A fever occurs when the body reaches a higher temperature than normal, and although a fever itself is not an illness, it is a common symptom for many of them. When the body's temperature increases this is typically a sign that the immune system is trying to fight off an infection. This is a good thing.  A fever typically peaks for 2-3 days before returning back to normal. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) can be given for comfort if your child is over the recommend age. Its ok if your child's fever doesn't return to normal with medicine, we do want them to perk up drink, eat a bit if not vomiting. 

Symptoms

Besides an elevated temperature, there may be other accompanying signs, such as feeling cold or shaking, feeling tired, body aches, sweating, hot skin, and increased heartbeats.

Babies may experience, increased temperature, earaches, high-pitched crying, lack of appetite, excessive thirst, and decreased urination, among other symptoms.

When To Call Our Pediatrician

Call immediately if:
•Your child looks or acts very ill for any period of time.
•You think your child has had a seizure.
•Your child is less than three months old and has a temperature greater than 100.4F.
•Your child is over three months and less than three years old, and the fever is over 102.5F and he or she is not acting well.
•Your child is over three years old, feverish, does not look well, and does not perk up significantly after an appropriate dose of fever medicine.
•Your child is crying inconsolably.
•Your child cries if you touch him or move him.
•Your child is difficult to awaken.
•Your child complains of a stiff neck and can not touch the chin to the chest without pain.
•Purple spots are present on the skin, and these do not blanch (turn white) when pressed firmly.
•Breathing is labored and no better after the nasal passages are cleared.
•Your child is unable to swallow anything and is drooling saliva.
•Your baby’s soft spot is bulging when he or she is sitting up quietly.
•There is redness or swelling around the eye or pain with eye movements.
•There is redness, tenderness, or swelling over an arm or leg.
•Your child walks with a limp or refuses to move an arm or leg.
•Your child has a compromised immune system or sickle cell anemia.
•You have any other concerns about fever that make you feel an immediate call is necessary.


Call within 24 hours if:
•Your child suffers from a burning sensation or pain during urination.
•Your child complains of ear pain.
•Your child complains of sore throat and any of the following: swollen glands, headache, abdominal pain, rash, or joint pain.
•Your child voids dark urine 3 or 4 weeks after a sore throat.
•Your child’s fever lasts more than 48 hours without any obvious cause or infection.

Call during regular office hours if:
•Your child’s fever is greater than 101.5F for more than 72 hours.
•The fever had been normal for 24 hours and then returned.
•Your child has a history of seizures with fever, and you wish to review fever management.
•You have other concerns or questions regarding fever.

Please refer to Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) dosing sheet for appropriate dosages based on your child’s weight.

We do NOT recommend alternating doses of Tylenol and Motrin under any circumstances.  This practice is unnecessary and may lead to dangerous over-dosage of medication.

Treatment for Fever in Cohasset, MA

For help treating worrying symptoms like a fever, you can visit your pediatrician at Child & Adolescent Health Specialists in Cohasset, MA, by dialing (781) 383-8380.