Fever Treatment in Cohasset, MA
Developing a fever is often one of the first signs your child is ill. You may be unsure of what to do. Your pediatrician can help.
What Having a Fever Means
When your child has a fever, it means your child’s body temperature is rising. Your child’s immune system is trying to fight off a bacterial infection, a virus, or other illness.
Common Illnesses Which Can Cause a Fever
These are some of the most common causes of fever:
- Flu
- A common cold
- An ear infection
- An eye infection
- Strep throat
Easy Tips To Relieve Fever
There are several easy steps you can take to help your child feel better. You can try:
- Giving your child infant or children’s Tylenol
- Giving your child a cool sponge bath
- Applying cold washcloths to your child’s skin
- Having your child suck on popsicles
When You Need to Visit The Pediatrician
If your child’s fever doesn’t resolve or is getting worse, it’s time to visit the pediatrician. You should bring your child to visit the pediatrician if:
- Your child is under 4 months old and has a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher
- Your child is over 4 months old and has a temperature of 104 degrees or higher
- Your child still has a fever after 2 to 3 days
You should also contact your child’s pediatrician if your child’s fever is accompanied by:
- A rash or bruising
- Shortness of breath
- Nonstop crying
- A stiff neck or seizure
- Pain while urinating
- Lower urine output
How Your Pediatrician Can Help
Your pediatrician will perform a comprehensive physical examination of your child which may include lab tests to determine what might be causing your child’s fever. Your pediatrician may treat the fever with:
- Anti-inflammatory medication to reduce inflammation
- Antiviral medication to help your child recover from a virus
- Antibiotic medication if your child has a bacterial infection
