We’re likely to dismiss a cough, sniffle, sneeze or such without a worry. However, we often view fever as cause for concern. But just when is that concern justified? Here’s the scoop.
• According to the National Institutes of Health, a child has a fever when his or her body temperature measures 99 degrees Fahrenheit when taken under the arm, 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit taken orally or 100.4 degrees taken rectally. An adult has a fever when his or her body temperature measures between 99 and 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
• Fever is the body’s way of naturally trying to fight infections such as cold, flu, ear infections, sinus infections, bronchitis, pneumonia or meningitis. Aside from infections, causes of fever can include teething, immunizations, arthritis, cancer and more.
• Treatment for mild fever includes rest, drinking fluids, taking a lukewarm bath, acetaminophen, ibuprofen or aspirin (for adults only). According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, medication dosing should be determined based on a child’s weight, not his or her age.
• Call your doctor if a child younger than 3 months of age has a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Call if an older child has a fever of 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If he or she has a fever lower than 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit, consider contacting your doctor if your child isn’t consuming adequate fluids, appears dehydrated, has ongoing diarrhea or vomiting, has a rash or other medical problem. You might also contact your doctor if your child is younger than 2 years of age and has had a fever for 24 hours or is older than 2 and has had a fever for 72 hours.
It’s always wise to pay attention to fever in both adults and children. If you have any questions in regard to fever or need a physician referral, please use our free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-888-256-7719. If you need to see a doctor immediately, please visit our Kidsville Emergency Care Center. We specialize in pediatric care 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call our department at 305-229-2413 for more information.
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Fever: When Is It an Emergency?
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