When should I call my doctor if my child has a fever?      

• A high fever of 104 degrees or more that doesn't respond to home treatment
• Any fever lasting more than 5 days
• Any child older than 1month and under 3 months of age needs to be evaluated urgently for any fever of 100.4 or greater.
• Please call your doctor for any concerning symptoms in addition to a fever.

What symptoms are associated with fever?

Feeling warm to the touch, looking flushed, or complaints of feeling hot (or cold if chills are present). If your child is young or nonverbal, you may need to look for related symptoms as listed below.

Symptoms of fever in infants and young children:

• Irritability, fussiness, crying
• Lethargy
• Sleeping more than usual, although some may be more restless Poor appetite
• Seizures (rare)

Symptoms of fever in older children:

• Malaise
• Headaches or body aches
• Decreased appetite and less energy
• Feeling uncomfortable, hot or cold Difficulty sleeping

What are common causes of fever in children?

he most common causes of childhood fevers are respiratory viral infections, such as a cold virus. Fevers may develop if a child has an infection in the ears, throat, sinus cavities, bladder, or gastrointestinal system.

How are fevers treated?

The provider at After Hours Kids will get a history and perform a physical exam to determine the source of the fever. If a fever is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics will be prescribed. If the fever is caused by a viral illness, supportive care is recommended. Supportive care includes giving your child oral doses of acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) to reduce the fever. Monitoring your child’s temperature in the days immediately following a fever is also important to make sure their condition continues to improve.