When Is A Fever Serious In Young Children? Warning Signs All Parents Should Know

Fever is very normal in young children. It generally indicates the body is battling an infection. For most, fever is not something to be alarmed about. Fever, however, can sometimes indicate a more serious illness.

Understanding when a fever is serious can enable you to react fast and save your child. Here’s a quick guide for parents.

What is a Fever in Children?

A fever occurs when the body temperature rises higher than usual. A typical child’s temperature is about 98.6°F (37°C). A fever typically indicates a temperature of:

• Using a rectal thermometer, measure at least 100.4% F (38°C).
• 5°F (37.5°C) or more when taken by mouth
• 99°F (37.2°C) or more in the armpit

Fever alone is not an illness. Fever is a sign that something else is happening in the body.

Why Do Young Children Get Fever?

Most fevers are due to infections. Some common causes are:

• Colds
• Ear infections
• Flu
• Sore throats
• Urinary tract infections
• Occasionally, fever may occur after vaccines. More rarely, it is caused by more severe illnesses such as meningitis.

When Is a Fever Not a Big Problem?

The majority of the times, a fever will go away by itself. A low-grade fever aids the body in fighting off germs.

You do not always need to come in if:

• Your child is active and has fluids
• They are still smiling, playing, and maintaining eye contact.
• They are not having any difficulty breathing.
• They are urinating normally.

Always watch your child’s behavior. How they behave is usually more significant than the reading on the thermometer.

When Is a Fever Dangerous?

Occasionally, a fever indicates a more serious issue. You should act if you see any of these warning signs:

High Temperature

• Infants under 3 months: A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher requires immediate medical attention.
• For infants aged three to six months, a temperature of 102°F (38.9°C) or above is reason for alarm.
• Children over 6 months old: A fever above 104°F (40°C) may be dangerous.

Seizures

A febrile seizure occurs in some children when they develop a fever. It appears frightening but in most cases doesn’t lead to long-term difficulties. Symptoms of a febrile seizure include:

• Shaking or twitching
• Rolling back of eyes
• Stiff arms and legs
• Passing out

Call for help or take your child to the nearby hospital if they have a seizure.

Difficulty Breathing

If your child is breathing extremely rapidly, is having trouble breathing, or is sucking in the skin at the sides of the chest with breathing, this requires immediate attention.

• Unusual Sleepiness or Fussiness
• Hard to wake up
• Very fussy and cannot be comforted
• Refusal to eat or drink
• Failure to respond normally

These may be the signs of the body not being able to deal with the infection.

Signs of Dehydration

Watch for:

• Dry mouth
• Few or no wet diapers in 6 hours
• Crying without tears
• Dehydration will make a fever worse and more difficult to overcome.

Stiff Neck and Rash

Meningitis can cause a rash, fever, and stiff neck.. This requires medical attention right away.

When Should You Call the Doctor?

Call your child’s doctor if:

• Your baby under 3 months has any fever
• Your child’s fever persists for over 3 days.
• The fever resolves but then returns.
• Your child has a weakened immune system (because of sickness or medications)
• You’re anxious and unsure of what to do.

It is always safe to call the doctor if you sense something is amiss.

How to Take Care of a Child with Fever at Home

In most cases, you can treat a mild fever at home. Here are easy tips:

• Keep them hydrated: Provide water, breast milk, formula, or clear fluids.
• Dress them comfortably: Light clothing makes the body cool.
• Use fever medicines if necessary: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) may help if the child is uncomfortable. Always use the dose instructions.
• Let them rest: Rest makes the body fight the infection.
• Steer clear of cold baths, since they will exacerbate the situation by making the child shiver. If required, a mild sponge bath is preferable.

Restoring the temperature to normal is not the aim, keep in mind. It’s for your child’s comfort.

What Not to Do

• Do not overdress your child. Overbundling can trap heat and raise the fever.
• Do not give aspirin.Children who take aspirin may develop Reye’s syndrome, a dangerous condition.
• Do not panic. Stay calm and watch your child closely.

FAQs

1. Can young toddlers get a fever during teething?

Teething can result in a slight increase in body temperature, but it is not likely to produce an actual fever (over 100.4°F or 38°C). If your child has a genuine fever, it is most probably because of something else, such as an infection.

2. When giving my child fever medication, should I wake them up?

You can give your child their medication without waking them up if they are sleeping soundly. Rest is highly essential.Only give medication if they are in pain when they wake up.

3. How do I know if a fever is severe without a thermometer?

If you don’t have a thermometer, observe your child’s behavior. Call the doctor immediately if he or she is extremely sleepy, difficult to arouse, not taking fluids, having breathing difficulty, or appearing extremely ill.