This time of year, we are starting to see a rise in pediatric patients presenting to clinics with fevers. Understanding fevers and different accompanying symptoms can help you know when to bring your child in to be examined.
A fever is a sign that the body’s immune system is fighting some sort of infection, whether it be viral or bacterial. Fevers are most common in viral infections but certainly do not rule out bacterial ones. A temperature recording 100.4°F and above is considered a fever. Most childhood fevers resolve on their own with supportive care like hydration, rest, and fever-reducing medications like Tylenol or Motrin, if recommended by their provider. As in previously mentioned posts, it is common during this time of year that a fever may be accompanied by sinus congestion, cough, sore throat, and nausea/vomiting. These symptoms might indicate an infection like COVID-19, flu, RSV, or strep throat, which may require testing and specific treatments.
A fever itself does not require urgent evaluation but if your child is less than 3 months old, the fever lasts more than 3 days, or it is difficult to control with Tylenol and Ibuprofen, then they need to be more closely monitored. Seek immediate care if your child appears lethargic or is difficult to wake, have difficulty breathing, have seizure-like activity or have a weakened immune system due to chronic illnesses. If you have any concerns about your child’s fever and accompanying symptoms, do not hesitate to have them evaluated so they can be properly treated!
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