Fever is one of the biggest concerns of parents with babies and children. I understand that fever may be considered an emergency and requires immediate medical attention. The good news, of course, is that heat often gets better on its own. Know when your child’s fever should contact the pediatrician.
What is considered a fever?
A child has a fever when the temperature is at or above one of the following:
- 100.4°F (38°C) was measured at the bottom
- 99.5°F (37.5°C) measured in the mouth (orally)
- 99°F (37.2°C) measured under the arm (axial)
An adult may have a fever when the temperature is above 99°F to 99.5°F (37.2°C to 37.5°C), depending on the time of day.
A healthy body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. But many reasons, including vigorous exercise, can affect a person’s body temperature, so not all fluctuating temperatures mean your baby is sick. However, illnesses and infections can change your body’s temperature as it fights bacteria and viruses.
Normal body temperature can change on any given day. Usually late at night. Other factors that can affect body temperature are:
- A woman’s course month. During the second part of this cycle, its temperature may rise by a degree or more.
- Body temperature can be affected by physical activity, vigorous movement, food, heavy clothing, medications, high room temperature, and high humidity.
Fever is an important part of the body’s defense against infection. Most bacteria and viruses that cause human infections grow best at 37°C (98.6°F). Many infants and children develop high fevers from mild viral illnesses. It indicates a fight in the body of the fever, but it fights for the person of the fever, not against the person. Fever usually does not cause brain damage unless the body temperature exceeds 42°C (107.6°F). An untreated fever due to an infection rarely exceeds 105°F (40.6°C) unless the child is overwhelmed or in a hot area. Some babies have numbness and tingling. Most febrile seizures resolve quickly, but your child does not have a seizure disorder. These attacks also do not cause permanent damage.
What can cause fever?
Some common reasons include:
- Viral infections (e.g., colds, flu)
- Bacterial infection
- Intense sun
- Heat exhaustion or heat stroke
- Exciting health problems
- Side effects of certain medications
When to see a pediatrician for your child’s fever?
A fever that develops in an infant (under 3 months of age) is often a more serious matter than a fever in a child. If your infant has a fever of 100.4 F or higher, it is highly recommended that you take him or her immediately to your pediatric urgent care for care.
Call 911 or a local emergency number if you or your child has a fever and:
- Crying and can’t calm down (baby)
- Cannot be awakened easily or at all
- Seems confusing.
- can’t walk
- Difficulty breathing even after the nose is cleared.
- Blue lips, tongue, or nails.
- Very bad headache.
- There is a stiff neck.
- Refusal to move an arm or leg (children)
What to Expect Visiting UrgentWay Clinic.
Our pediatrician will do a physical exam. This may include a detailed examination of the skin, eyes, ears, nose, throat, neck, chest, and abdomen to find the cause of the fever. Treatment depends on the duration and cause of the fever, as well as other symptoms.
The following tests may be performed:
- Blood tests, such as a CBC or blood differential
- Urinalysis
- Chest x-ray
UrgentWay clinic treats common ailments including the following illnesses and symptoms:
- Influenza
- Common cold
- Bronchitis
- Sore throat
- Asthma
- Infections
- Rash
- Headache
