Understanding Fever in Children

While fevers can be concerning for parents, an elevated temperature is not always a fever. Although 98.6 F (37.0 C) has long been the standard definition of a normal body temperature, that doesn't mean that any number above 98.6 F is a sign of trouble.

Normal temperatures can range from 97.2 F (36.2 C) to 99.5 F (37.5 C) insofar as adults are concerned. Children, especially younger children, can have slightly higher normal temperatures. Most pediatricians consider a temperature of 100.4 F (38 C) in children to be a fever.

Symptoms

A fever can be a symptom of many childhood illnesses, most of which are infectious, such as the common cold, the flu, or strep throat. But fevers can be associated with non-infectious illnesses as well.

Fevers often accompany other signs and symptoms, including:

• Decreased activity or increased irritability
• Decreased food and/or fluid intake
• Chills or sweating
• Cold symptoms and/or cough
• Generalized pains, such as body aches, or focal pains, such as sore throat, headache, etc.
• Change in heart rate or breathing rate
• Hallucinations

When to Treat?

Most fevers occur with an illness that will resolve on its own with time. If your child has a fever but is sleeping well, hydrating well, and is still active or playful, then you do not necessarily need to give them a fever reducer.

But sometimes, it can be a sign that your child needs medical treatment.

If fever appears to be affecting your child's behavior, activity levels, ability to sleep or hydrate, or appetite, you can consider giving your child medication to reduce their fever. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states, "the primary goal of treating the febrile child should be to improve the child's overall comfort."

Tips for treating your child's fever:

• Children's strength Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Advil (ibuprofen) are effective at reducing a child's fever. But aspirin should be avoided in children or teens due to the risk of Reye syndrome.
• Parents should avoid cough-and-cold medications that contain acetaminophen or ibuprofen. In some cases, parents can accidentally double up on fever medications without even knowing it.
• Unless directed by your healthcare provider, you should not wake a child at night to give them a fever reducer.

Getting Medical Attention

Other symptoms, in addition to the fever, such as being lethargic, not eating or drinking anything, having symptoms of dehydration, having trouble breathing, or crying inconsolably are signs that your child needed immediate medical attention.

• Your child's temperature may vary slightly depending on where you measured (armpit vs. under the tongue, for example).
• When speaking with a pediatrician, tell them how you took your child's temperature.
  

Understanding Fever in Children

Your child's temperature is not a way to measure how sick they are. A child could have a very high fever with a mild illness or have a low-grade fever with a life-threatening illness.

A fever may have beneficial effects in helping to fight infections, so it's often a sign that your child's immune system is working the way it's supposed to work.

Overcoming Fever Phobia

Fever phobia, an exaggerated fear of fever, is common among parents. It's understandable that you may be very concerned when your child has a high fever. But a fever itself is no reason to panic. With treatment for the underlying cause, your child will likely recover and feel better within a few days.

Some important and reassuring facts you should know:

• Fevers do not cause brain damage.
  
• While worrisome, febrile seizures are generally mild and non-life-threatening.
• Febrile seizures cannot be prevented with fever reducers.
  

A Word From Verywell

Fever-reducing medications can be useful if a fever is affecting your child's well-being. But if your child seems fine, there's no need to give medication just for fever.

The AAP advises that parents can use over-the-counter drugs like children's Tylenol or Advil, but warns parents not to overuse them. If in doubt, call your pediatrician or speak with your pharmacist.