Tis the season to be…
Spiking fevers!
You’re probably well aware that flu and cold season is here. While the cough, snot and tummy disturbances may have your little one down, it’s common for their temperature to shoot up.
Fevers can seem scary, but the truth is they are easily managed from home.
Wondering how to reduce your child’s temp? Do you need to give medicine? We’ll discuss all that including why fevers occur and the benefit they have on body. I’ll even leave you with a helpful list of questions to think about when that fever spikes. You’ll leave this post feeling reassured and confident to take on the season.
This post is for education purposes only and does not replace a professional medical assessment. Please reach out to a clinician if you have questions about your child.
Fevers were one of my favorite things to discuss over the phone as a nurse.
Why?
Because once a parent knows what to expect, they aren’t so scary.
Now, that’s not to say I haven’t had brief moments of panic in my own home watching my kids feel crummy. Fevers come on quick. And they climb to impressive heights quickly!
Do they seem to happen in the middle of the night for you too?
So yes, it’s easy to panic a little. But like I reassured my patients, I’ve learned to take a deep breath and go back to the basics.
Remembering why the fever is present and knowing all the small, simple things we can do from within the walls of our home is empowering.
What is a fever?
Part of managing a fever is understanding what it is and how it works.
A fever is:
- an elevated body temperature
- best measured using a thermometer (love this one!)
- defined by 100.4 F (38.0 C) or above
- Caused by a bacteria or virus
- considered a good thing
A good thing?! That seems like crazy talk when your child is burning hot.
But good news–The body is doing what it needs to do.
Benefits of a Fever
The body is truly smart and works in our favor. A fever is a clear example of this.
When your child’s temperature rises, it’s signaling the body being in defense mode. A higher core temperature makes it harder for germs to survive and stick around.
Fascinating, right?
And there’s more.
Once the body decides it has been long enough, the body knows to “break” the fever and return the core temperature back to normal. I find this so comforting!
Here’s what you can expect from onset to being fever free:
- A fever can last 2-5 days
- The height (temperature max) will show signs of reducing
- Fevers can go away and then come back during this time frame (In my experience, it’s common for kids to spike in the evening)
Also remember:
A fever is only a symptom and not an illness itself.
Does your toddler have a fever but no other symptoms?
Wait 24 hours.
More than likely, another symptom (congestion, cough, diarrhea, vomiting) will start, revealing why the fever started in the first place (i.e. vomiting could signal the flu).
Therefore, the benefit of a fever is that you can be on the lookout for other symptoms.
What is a high fever for a child?
The number on the thermometer is typically what activates panic.
But did you know that the number tells only part of the picture?
The more important question is:
How is the child acting?
If a kiddo is able to do the following:
- drinking fluids
- making pee
- finding moments of play and rest
Then there’s generally no need to worry. Continue to give fluids and support other symptoms.
And if they are not?
It’s time to start reducing the fever.
How to reduce Fever
When the fever strikes, the instinct may be to run to the medicine cabinet and grab a bottle and syringe. While acetaminophen and ibuprofen are options, I want to reassure you with this:
Fevers do not need to be treated.
Yep, it’s the truth.
We already talked about them being a normal response to fighting off infection. The body needs time to do its thing.
The cherry flavored syrup does not magically reset the body’s core temperature or get rid of the infection causing the fever. It only works to reduce (mask) it in temporary time frame.
Now, reducing may be important. Especially when promoting comfort so that a child can do normal things as mentioned above.
Reducing Fever Naturally
Home management of fever is easy. The best things you can do are the following:
- Offer fluids— Number one priority. The higher the temperature, the more fluids are used up. Replace them!
- Dress child in light layer of clothing— Overdressing can overheat, resulting in fever increasing. Cotton, breathable clothes are best. Avoid fleece and heavy sleepers.
- Keep room/home cool— especially in the winter! Avoid blasting the heat and making room stuffy and hot
- Avoid overexertion— play is okay and often, that’s what kids prefer but limit the running and high energy activity
- Apply cool compresses — use lukewarm water to forehead or back of neck.
- Offer comfort— holding and rocking or distraction through a movie or reading. Optimal comfort will promote optimal fluid intake.
Treating Fevers with medicine
Now acetaminophen and ibuprofen might can have a place in home management of fevers. They can be given after trying alternate means or in conjunction. And especially if your child:
- refuses drinking fluids
- unable to rest
- inconsolable
Ideally, a child perks up enough to drink and stays hydrated.
But you don’t necessarily need to keep giving it. Sometimes a dose or two is all a kiddo needs to get in some fluids, a small bite to eat and feel more like themselves.
Important: For safety, be sure you know the appropriate dose for your child and note the time you administer meds.
When should I have my child seen?
I always encourage parents to call the doctor with any concerns– that’s what they’re there for! And especially if you feel like your child is dehydrated, hard to wake, inconsolable, having trouble breathing or any other odd symtpoms.
And important to note: If you’re reading this and have an infant 3 months or under, fevers should always be evaluated.
Below is a list of questions to think about when your child is ill. Rather than just calling stating that your child is burning up, it’s helpful to know some details. These will help you and/your care team provide optimal care.
Things to know before calling doctor
Be sure you can answer the following:
- How high is the fever measuring?
- When did fever begin?
- Is the child able to drink fluids?
- How is the child acting?
- Is the child making urine?
- Does the fever reduce?
- Are there any other symptoms?
- Have they been around anyone who’s been sick?
Fevers are part of wellness
Fevers are never fun, but they are a healthy and vital part of our health. While there’s no magical food or medicine that will instantly stop it, take heart– there’s many simple ways to comfort your child and reduce the fever naturally. Ultimately, the standard advice of “fluids and rest” is still the best and fastest way to help.
Being educated and prepared as a mom will also help everyone feel better. And, more than likely, also help reduce the fever too.
Stay Well, my friends!
Looking for Sick Kid Hacks?
Click here as I’m sharing a list of brilliant hacks to make caring for your sick kiddo easier.
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