When Your Child Has a Fever

Your child’s normal temperature can change. It often changes with age, activity, and time of day. By itself, fever is not an illness. Usually, it is the body’s way of reacting to an infection. A fever doesn’t always mean your child needs treatment. However if the fever reaches 101F and your child appears bothered or uncomfortable, treatment may be needed. Many illnesses that cause a fever can be managed at home or treated in the primary care provider’s office.

What Should I Do At Home?

When you think your child has a fever, take his or her temperature with a fever thermometer. Follow the directions from your child’s PCP for taking your child’s temperature or the directions that came with the thermometer. If you are unsure how to take your child’s temperature, call his or her PCP. You may also call the Nurse Advice Line at 1-800-606-9880. Rectal or axillary (armpit) temperature readings are recommended for children less than 4 years old. Oral readings can be used for children over 4 years old. A reading over 101F rectally or orally can be treated with several home care steps:

• Give a fever reducing medication. Be sure to follow medication directions. You can ask your PCP for a prescription for one of the medications mentioned below:
  • Children under 2 months: Call your child’s PCP for directions
  • Children 2 months & older: Give acetaminophen (Tylenol) drops, elixir or chewables
  • Children over 6 months: Ibuprofen (Motrin) may be used instead of acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Dress your child lightly and keep the room cool.
• Give your child lots of cool fluids (water, diluted fruit juices, Jell-O water).

When Should I Call My Child’s PCP?

Call your PCP right away:

• If your child is younger than 3 months and has a rectal temperature of 100.1F or higher.
• If your child is 3-6 months and has a rectal temperature of 101F or higher.
• If your child is 6-12 months and has a rectal temperature of 103F or higher.
• If your child of any age shows the following symptoms:
  • Unusually fussy, sleepy or quiet behavior
  • Convulsions
  • Stiff neck or headache
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Ear or sore throat pain
  • Skin rash

If your child is over 1 year of age, is eating and sleeping well, playing normally, and the fever has responded well to home care, emergency room care is usually not necessary. Remember, you know your child best. So don’t be afraid to call your PCP if you are unsure about what to do.

Be Prepared - Keep the Following Information Handy

When you need medical advice, remember to call your child’s primary care provider (PCP) first. Same day appointments can usually be made if your child is sick. Ask what you can do at home while you are waiting for the PCP to see your child.

You may also call the Nurse Advice Line, available 24 hrs. a day, at 1-800-606-9880. If you are a person with a hearing impairment, you may call the TDD/TTY number, 1-800-648-6056.