Fever

What is it?

A fever is a symptom, not an illness. A fever is when your child's temperature is above normal. A fever is the body's normal response to infection. A fever helps the body's immune system to fight off the illness. Most fevers are caused by viruses but some are cause by bacteria. Your child has a fever if the temperature is 101 or higher. Fevers of 100-104 are not harmful to your child and may last 2-5 days.

What can I do?

Remember that a fever is helping your child to fight off illness. Fevers may make your child uncomfortable. There are several things that you can do to help your child feel more comfortable. You may give your child Tylenol every 4 hours or Motrin every 6 hours to reduce the fever. Please follow the dosage tables for your child's proper dose. Encourage your child to drink lots of fluids. Do not bundle your child up in lots of clothes as it can make your child's temperature go higher. Giving your child a lukewarm bath may also help bring your child's temperature down.

When do I call the office?

  • Please call the office immediately at any time if:
    • You child is less than 4 months old and has a temp over 100.4
    • You child's temperature is over 104.5
    • You child looks or acts very sick
  • Please call the office during normal hours if:
    • Your child has had a fever for more than 3 days
    • Your child had a fever that went away for 24 hours and has now returned
    • If you have any questions or concerns