If your child has a fever, you are probably already worried. Luckily, Child & Adolescent Health Specialists, serving Cohasset, MA, and the general vicinity are here to help your child and support you until you both feel better. A fever can be a symptom of many things, so keep reading about fevers and when you need to call us.

What Causes Fever?

A fever is a spike in your core body temperature, which averages 98.6 degrees. An increase in body temperature to 100 degrees or more is considered a fever and is often a sign your body is working to fight off an infection or illness. As uncomfortable as a fever can be, it can often improve on its own. It serves as a warning sign but doesn't always indicate that you have an illness, because your body may be able to fight off the infection. Some common causes of fever are:

• Viral infections like a cold or flu
• Ear infections
• Heat exhaustion or sunburn
• Step throat
• Flu

What Are the Symptoms?

A fever is generally considered an elevated body temperature of 100 degrees or more. Other symptoms can include:

• Sweating
• Headache
• Chills
• Dehydration (look for low urine output)
• Loss of appetite
• Irritability

When your child has a fever make sure they stay hydrated. Ask your pediatrician's recommendation for dosages of children's Tylenol based on their size and age. Ibuprophen should not be given to infants under 6 months. If fever reducers do not bring down your child's fever, call us for an appointment.

When To Call Our Pediatrician

For a newborn under the age of 3 months, any fever above 100.4 degrees is cause for alarm and you should call your Cohasset, MA, pediatrician. For babies over the age of 4 months, a fever of 104 or higher warrants a call. Also call us if the baby stops eating, develops a rash, if the skin or whites of their eyes turn yellow, or if they can't be consoled. If your child still has a fever after 2 to 3 days, you need to see a pediatrician.

Get Care Now

Child & Adolescent Health Specialists are who to call when your child has a fever. Contact us for an appointment with one of our pediatricians at (781) 383-8380.