Pediatric Fever Treatment Doctor Q&A

It’s completely normal for parents to feel anxious when their child has a fever, but not every fever is cause for alarm. Factors that affect whether you should take your child to see a doctor about their fever include:

● Age – If your infant has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher and is under 3 months old, you should seek medical attention immediately. Babies this young are vulnerable, and a fever may indicate a serious infection.

● Duration – Fevers that last longer than 3 days should be evaluated by a healthcare professional, especially if other symptoms persist or worsen.

● Behavior – If your child seems unusually drowsy, irritable, or inconsolable, it’s time to take them to the doctor. Additionally, if they have trouble waking up or show confusion, that’s a red flag.

● Other symptoms – If your little one’s fever is accompanied by trouble breathing, a rash, a stiff neck, persistent vomiting, or febrile seizures, it’s important to have them evaluated right away, as these symptoms could indicate a serious infection.

The normal body temperature for children typically falls around 98.6°F (37°C), but this can vary slightly depending on the child and time of day. Healthcare professionals define a fever as a body temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.

It’s important to recognize that the number on the thermometer doesn’t always reflect how serious the illness is. For instance, a mild fever can cause a child to feel awful, while a higher fever may not bother another child as much. It’s crucial to monitor how your child is acting. If they’re still drinking fluids, alert, and playing, the fever likely isn’t something to be overly concerned about.

In contrast, if your child is acting lethargic, unusually irritable, or isn’t responding as they normally would, it could be a sign that the fever is part of something more serious. If your child is exhibiting signs of dehydration, such as dry lips, fewer wet diapers, or crying without tears, it’s time for a visit to pediatric urgent care.

In mild cases, fevers can be managed at home, but there are certain situations where a trip to urgent care is necessary. If your child has a fever higher than 104°F (40°C) that doesn’t come down with fever-reducing medications like Tylenol or ibuprofen, you should bring them in to see one of our doctors.

In addition, if your baby is younger than 3 months and has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, it’s crucial to bring them in to be evaluated by a doctor immediately. Fevers accompanied by difficulty breathing, a severe headache, a rash that spreads rapidly, or seizures should be assessed by a healthcare professional as promptly as possible. Trust your instincts; if you are worried about your child, it’s always a good idea to play it safe and seek a doctor’s opinion.

When your child is uncomfortable because of a fever, there are several things you can try to lower their temperature and improve their comfort. Your child needs plenty of rest to help their body fight off the infection. To keep them as comfortable as possible, dress your little one in lightweight clothing and keep the room cool.

Fevers can cause dehydration, so it’s important to keep your child well-hydrated. Offer plenty of water, oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte, or clear fluids like broth. Popsicles are also a great way to keep them hydrated!

Another way to help bring down a fever is a lukewarm bath. Avoid running a cold bath, as cold water can cause shivering, which may raise your child’s body temperature further. Similarly, cool compresses on the forehead can also provide comfort.

If your child remains uncomfortable, visiting urgent care is a wise idea. The experts at Nova Patient Care are here to provide support for parents caring for children with persistent fevers. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We serve patients from Annandale VA, Arlington VA, Bethel VA, Dale City VA, Falls Church VA, Fort Hunt VA, Franconia VA, Huntington VA, Richmond Hwy Alexandria VA, Idylwood VA, Kingstowne Center Alexandria VA, Lake Barcroft VA, Mclean VA, Newington VA, Old Town Alexandria VA, Pentagon City Arlington VA, Seven Corners VA, Tysons VA, Woodbridge, VA and surrounding areas.