Treating Fever in Kids

Fevers! The bodies immune system in action.

WHAT Is a Fever in Kids?  It’s an important part of our immune system to help us fight infection.

• 100.4F or more (Rectal temp in babies is best for accuracy)

What A Fever is NOT? Sometimes it can be scary to see your child with a fever but it does NOT cause brain damage unless >108F.

• High fever does NOT cause seizures but kids can have febrile seizures even at low temps in younger children due to the rapid rise in temperature at times.

How Do I Treat a Fever in Kids?

1. Fluids and Hydration! When we have a fever we use extra bodily fluids and can become dehydrated faster.

• This can include giving breastmilk, formula, electrolytes in infants and toddlers.

• In older kids, electrolyte fluids, popsicles, water, whatever they will drink that isn’t overly full of sugar and avoid caffeine which causes you to urinate out more fluid!

2. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) in any child over 2 months of age and Ibuprofen (Motrin) in kids over 6 months of age. Dosing is per weight.

• Genexa Kid's Pain & Fever is an option that is free of all things artificial

• It is also okay to not use these medications if your child is comfortable. However, it is okay to use them if they are miserable and if it means it helps them stay hydrated.

3. Homeopathic Remedies:

**Give 1⁄4 of the Adult dose for Infants and Toddlers. Soften in some water and then place under the tongue to dissolve.

• Aconitum Napellum - Great for abrupt fevers in a child that is upset and restless.

• Ferrum phosphoricum - Great for lower fevers in kids that are not anxious or upset.

When to Call the Doctor!

Please remember that fevers will improve with medications such as tylenol and ibuprofen but they will likely come back. This does NOT mean that the medication doesn’t work, it just

means their body is still fighting the illness but while on the medication they get some relief. These medications/supplements do not kill the virus or bacteria that causes the fever.

**TRUST YOUR INTUITION AS A PARENT!**

Call if:

• Under 2 months of age - Fever at 100.4F or higher- Call ASAP

• 4-12 months: Fever over 101 for 2-3 days and no visible symptoms causing the fever

• Any fever >4-5 days without improvement or coming down daily

• Not looking better when fever comes down at any age

• Not urinating well - at least every 4-6 hours in babies and 6-8 hrs in toddlers & up.

• Still very irritable or inconsolable 45-60 minutes after fever reducing medicine has been given

• Other symptoms or changes in the illness that concern you.

Remember that a f

ever can seem scary but is just a sign that the body is battling something. You can always reach out if you feel that there is more going on!

Dr. K