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Should you worry about a fever in your child?
When should a baby have a fever?
When should you see a doctor if a child has a fever?
Jun 1, 2020 · Kids are often sleepy and cranky when they get sick. What I’m talking about here is when that sleepiness and crankiness get severe. If you aren’t sure whether your child’s symptoms are severe, call and talk to your doctor (or the person on call). If your child has severe pain, or difficulty moving any part of the body (like the neck).
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- Myth #1: The Higher The Temperature, The More Serious The Illness
- Myth #2: For True Accuracy, only A Rectal Temperature Will Do
- Myth #3: Ear and Forehead Thermometers Are as Accurate as Digital Thermometers
- H #4: The only Normal Temperature Is 98.6°F
- Myth #5: A High Fever Will Cause Seizures
Truth:A high temperature may indicate a serious illness in teens and adults, but not always in children 12 and under. A child’s immune system isn’t as finely tuned, so it attacks every germ at full force. That’s why children can get a high fever due to a simple cold while adults typically don’t. “More important than the number on the thermometer is...
Truth:Taking a rectal temperature isn’t always necessary. Rectal temperatures are most accurate but don’t fret about getting one in older children, advises Dr. Klein. They are most important in the first six months. “It’s certainly easier to place the thermometerin your child’s armpit,” she says. “It will stay put as you hold your child.” The armpi...
Truth:Tympanic (ear) and temporal (forehead) thermometers aren’t as reliable as digital multiuse thermometers. Their readings can be skewed by external temperatures. A digital multiuse thermometer is the only kind you need. “They’re inexpensive, they’re fast and they’re easy to use,” says Dr. Klein. As for pacifier thermometers and forehead strips?...
Truth:100°F may not be a fever. The well-known 98.6°, is a normal temperature taken by mouth. An underarm temperature may be about one degree lower. A rectal temperature may be about one degree higher. “Your temperature also changes throughout the day, due to hormone cycles,” says Dr. Klein. “While rectal temperature stays the steadiest, axillary a...
Truth: Contrary to popular belief, a high fever will not cause seizures. Febrile seizures are not caused by high fever, says Dr. Klein. They’re caused by a sudden elevation in temperature (even if just increasing from 98.6 to 101°F ). “You don’t need to reduce fever to prevent seizures,” she says. “Children can have febrile seizures before you even...
Apr 30, 2024 · In a child over 4 months, fevers of up to 104 F shouldn’t cause alarm. A mild fever that lasts up to five days is OK for most kids. A fever that doesn’t affect your child too much. If your ...
With many different viruses circulating this winter, parents and caregivers may begin to worry as soon as they see the first sign of a runny nose or sore throat in their children. Is it RSV? COVID-19? The flu? But the symptom that usually makes parents most concerned is fever.
- Julia Morrill
May 7, 2022 · Symptoms. When to see a doctor. Causes. Complications. Prevention. Overview. A fever is a temporary rise in body temperature. It's one part of an overall response from the body's immune system. A fever is usually caused by an infection. For most children and adults, a fever may be uncomfortable. But it usually isn't a cause for concern.
Learn More. When should a fever be treated? A fever should be treated when it causes discomfort to your child. Treating fever can relieve associated aches and pains, allowing your child to sleep more comfortably and to drink well to prevent dehydration.
Key Points. Normal body temperature varies from person to person and throughout the day (it is typically highest in the afternoon). Normal body temperature is higher in preschool-aged children and highest at about 18 to 24 months of age.
