Dealing With A Fever In Kids

A child's fever can be alarming, especially when your normally active and happy child suddenly becomes tired and irritable. While mild infections and fevers can resolve on their own, some cases may require medical attention. Please keep reading to learn how to handle a fever in kids and when it’s time to see a doctor.  

What Is the Best Way to Check For A Fever in Kids?

The most accurate way to check for a fever depends on the child’s age:

• Infants (under 3 months): use a rectal thermometer for the most reliable reading. 

• Toddlers and young children (3 months to 4 years): a digital ear (tympanic) or axillary (underarm) thermometer works well. You can also use a temporal artery thermometer, but keep in mind that these often read slightly lower due to factors like sweating or room temperature. 

• Older children (4 years or older): a digital oral thermometer provides accurate results once they can hold it under their tongue properly. 

What Counts as a Fever in Kids?

A temperature indicating fever varies slightly depending on the area measured:

Rectal or ear (tympanic): 100.4°F (38°C) or higher

Oral (mouth): 100°F (37.8°C) or higher

Armpit (axillary): 99°F (37.2°C) or higher

What Are the Top Causes of Fever in Kids?

Fever is a symptom, not a disease. Common causes include:

• Viral infections like the flu or the common cold

• Bacterial infections such as ear infections, strep throat, or urinary tract infections

• Immunizations, which may cause a mild, short-term fever

• Tonsilitus

• Heat exhaustion or dehydration in hot weather

What Are Some Other Signs a Child May Have a Fever?

In addition to an elevated temperature, children with a fever may show:

• Flushed cheeks

• Chills or sweating

• Acting fussy, cranky, or quieter than usual

• Warm skin

• Rapid heart rate or breathing

• Headache 

How Do You Treat a Fever in Kids?

Treatment depends on the child’s comfort and underlying cause. In mild cases with non-emergent symptoms, try the following:

• Give them plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Offer popsicles and broth if they are having trouble drinking plain water. 

• Dress your child in light clothing and keep the room cool.

• Encourage rest.

• Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin) as directed by your pediatrician for comfort. (Don’t give ibuprofen if your child is 6 months or younger and never give a child younger than 19 Aspirin).

• Place a cold compress on their forehead.

When Should You Go to Urgent Care for a Fever in Kids?

The severity of symptoms and age of your child can determine if you should go to the emergency room or urgent care. You should bring your child to urgent care if:

• The fever is accompanied by pain or burning while urinating. This may indicate a urinary tract infection that may need to be treated with antibiotics.

• They are vomiting with their fever (without blood. If vomit is bloody, report to the ER immediately). 

• They have had a fever of 101.9 for at least 3 days (if they’re over 2 years and primary care isn’t available) that is not responding to OTC medication and home care.

• The fever is over 102 degrees with no emergency symptoms (see blow).

When Is It An Emergency?

If your child shows any of the following symptoms, take them to the emergency room immediately:

• There is any fever at all present in an infant (under 3 months). Babies this young can have serious infections without showing obvious signs, so they need to be evaluated by a doctor right away, even if they seem alert and are feeding well.

• A fever of 104 or higher

• The child is 3-6 months of age with a fever of 102 or higher and has other emergent symptoms, such as:

• Stiff neck

• Confusion

• Slurred speech

• Chest pain

• Debilitating headache

• Rash

• Difficulty breathing

• Diarrhea with dehydration symptoms

• Blood in vomit or diarrhea

• Non-responsiveness or extreme lethargy

  
  

What Will Urgent Care Do for a Child With a High Fever?

At our urgent care in West Omaha, we understand how stressful it is when your child is ill. We’ll work quickly to get them comfortable and determine the underlying cause so they can start recovering and feeling better. Our providers will:

• Take your child’s temperature and perform a physical exam.

• Ask about symptoms such as cough, rash, sore throat, or ear pain.

• Possibly perform tests (like a flu, strep, or COVID test) to identify the cause.

• Recommend OTC fever reducer dosing and frequency or prescribe antibiotics if a bacterial infection is found. Antivirals may also be prescribed, especially in children at high risk of developing complications from the flu or COVID.

• Provide guidance on home care and signs to watch for if symptoms worsen.

Pediatric Urgent Care in West Omaha

If your child is experiencing a persistent fever or symptoms that concern you, the caring team at Midwest Minor Medical in West Omaha is here to help. Our experienced medical providers can evaluate your child quickly, determine the cause of the fever, and provide the right treatment for a safe and speedy recovery. Visit us for the most trusted pediatric urgent care in West Omaha.