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It can be scary when your child has a fever, but it isn’t necessarily dangerous. In fact, a fever is often very helpful — as it helps fight off infection. However, it’s important to be aware of warning signs of a more serious problem, and if you’re concerned, it’s always better to be safe than sorry and check in with a pediatrician.
At Angel Kids Pediatrics, our expert providers offer comprehensive care for everything from everyday illnesses and injuries to chronic conditions and behavioral health issues.
With our 10 offices located throughout Jacksonville, Amelia Island, and Saint Johns, Florida, plus telehealth appointments available, it’s never been easier to have your child seen by a healthcare professional you know and trust.
Children and fevers
Fevers occur when your child’s immune system “turns on” to fight an infection. A temperature is classified as a fever if it’s at or above 100.4°F rectally, in the ear, or across the forehead, or if it’s 100°F orally, or 99°F under the arm.
While the most common cause of a fever is an infection, fever may also appear when your child gets a vaccination, is teething, or is even dressed too warmly (especially babies).
Fever symptoms
Fever symptoms can include feeling warm or hot to the touch, skin that’s red or flushed, and sweating or chills. Your child’s breathing and heart rate may be faster than normal, and they may be fussier, crankier, or quieter than usual.
When to check in with a pediatrician
Often, fevers aren’t serious in children who are older than three months and who are generally still alert, smiling, and behaving as usual. Your child may eat less, which is to be expected, but as long as they’re still drinking and urinating normally, a lower appetite isn’t cause for concern.
You should be concerned, however, in the following circumstances:
- Your baby is younger than three months old
- Your child’s fever has lasted longer than four days
- Your child is dehydrated (i.e., not urinating as much, no tears when crying)
- Your child seems quite sick or drowsy
- Your child is immunocompromised
- Your child has other significant symptoms like bad sore throat, headache or earache, a urinary tract infection, or severe vomiting or diarrhea
These circumstances should prompt you to bring your child in for an evaluation ASAP.
When your child’s fever is an emergency
If your baby or child has a fever and any of these symptoms, call 911 or go to an emergency department right away:
- Extreme trouble staying awake
- Difficulty breathing; blue lips, tongue or nails
- Neck stiffness
- An unexplained rash, especially if it’s widespread
- Trouble swallowing and/or excessive drooling
- Pain or discomfort in the abdomen
- Continuous crying
- Changes to speech or walking ability
Sometimes, children between the ages of six months and five years old experience a febrile seizure. If this happens and it lasts less than five minutes with the child retaining good skin color, call the pediatrician for an examination. However, if your child turns blue or it lasts longer than five minutes, call 911 immediately.
Fever treatment
Care for a typical, non-concerning fever involves keeping your child comfortable and hydrated. This can be done with a combination of water, juice, popsicles, and juicy fruits, as long as it encourages your child to keep taking fluids into their body.
Medication is not a must, but it may make your child feel more comfortable. If the fever is low-grade, we recommend against using a fever-reducing medication. Doing so helps the fever fight off infection more effectively.
If your child has a higher fever or seems uncomfortable, however, ask our team for advice.
In general, acetaminophen can be given to babies of any age, while ibuprofen is safe for those six months and older. Use the dosing chart to determine the right amount, and consider alternating between the two medications if your child is old enough.
Partner with a pediatrician
Whether it’s a worrisome fever or another health issue, check in with our team whenever you have a concern. We’re here to help. Schedule a visit at your nearest Angel Kids Pediatrics office in Jacksonville, Amelia Island, or Saint Johns, Florida, today.