Fever

A child is considered to have a fever when his or her body temperature is higher than 100.4 °F (38°C). A child’s temperature can be taken via oral, axillary (under the arm), tympanic or rectal route.

A child less than 6 months old should have the temperature checked via the rectal route. Fever can be treated with medicines like Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin). Carefully check the labels on these over-the-counter medicines to ensure you give your child proper doses.

Ibuprofen is not recommended for children less than 6 months of age.

Fever is an indication that your child may have an infection and is a hallmark of the body’s response to that infection. Fever should not be worrisome unless your child’s temperature reaches levels higher than 104°F. Fever in your child does not necessarily indicate the need for antibiotics or further intervention; but if the fever is persistent, your child should be evaluated by a physician. When a child is having fever they may seem tired, fussy or irritable; which is to be expected although these signs can be indications of a serious infection and your child should be evaluated.

If your child has a fever or you have further questions please don’t hesitate to contact us at
(318) 212-3900.

If a child under 8 weeks of age has a temperature higher than 100.4°F then they need to be evaluated immediately by a physician either in our clinic or in an emergency room or at Willis-Knighton Quick Care.