Fever is one of the most common concerns from parents. While fever is something that you should pay attention to, it is NOT something that you should fear. Please see the following link from the American Academy of Pediatrics for more information
Fever Without Fear - American Academy of Pediatrics
Text from the "medical minute:"
Hello, this is Aaron
Traeger, pediatrician with Advocate Medical Group. Fever is a common problem
for children. Remember, fever is a temperature over 100.4 Fahrenheit
no matter how it is taken. Rectal is fine but under the arm, tongue or with one
of those fancy scanner thermometers is ok. The number that you get is
what you get. Do not add or subtract a degree.
Also, ANY
temperature over 100.4 in a child less than 4 months is abnormal. If this
happens you need to call your doctor immediately. In older, vaccinated
children, look at how your child is acting. If they are not acting right, lethargic,
have a rash, refuse to drink or are unresponsive call your doctor. If acting
normally, it is ok to watch and see how things go for a couple days.
Finally, medications
like ibuprofen or acetaminophen do not prevent fevers nor do they make the fever
go away permanently. Giving these medicines will help your child feel better,
but until whatever is causing the fever has resolved the fever will
return.
Always trust your
parental gut when dealing with your sick child. If you think they need to be
seen, they do, just call and your pediatrician will be happy to see you.
For more information
visit amgdoctors.com/medicalminute. With the Advocate Medical Group Medical
Minute, this is Dr Aaron Traeger
