Parents might worry when a child's temperature rises, but fever
itself causes no harm and can actually be a good thing — often, it's the body's way
of fighting infections.
Signs and Symptoms
A child who has a fever might be:
fussy
uncomfortable
warm to the touch
flushed
sweaty
What to Do
It's best to keep a child home from school or childcare until the temperature has
been normal for at least 24 hours. If your child is uncomfortable, here are some ways
to relieve symptoms:
Give acetaminophen
or ibuprofen based on the
doctor's recommendations. Do not give aspirin.
Never use rubbing alcohol or cold baths to bring the fever down.
Dress your child in lightweight clothing and cover with a light sheet or blanket.
Let your child eat what he or she wants, and don't force eating if your child
doesn't feel like it.
If your child also is vomiting
and/or has diarrhea, ask
the doctor if you should give a children's oral rehydration solution (also called
oral electrolyte solution or oral electrolyte maintenance solution).
Make sure your child gets plenty of rest.
Get Medical Care if:
an infant younger than 3 months old has a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C)
or higher
an older child has a fever and:
looks sick
develops a rash
has lasting diarrhea and/or repeated vomiting
has signs of dehydration (peeing less than usual, not having tears when crying,
less alert and less active than usual)
