Fever may also be known as elevated temperature, pyrexia or hyperthermia. A child has a fever when its temperature is at or above 100.4F/38C rectally 99.5F/37.5C orally, 99F/37.2C axillary, or 100F/37.8C tympanic (ear). Adults would be considered to have a fever if their oral temperature is over 99.5F/ 37.5C.
Normal Body Temperature
Normal body temperature usually rises in the evening. Other factors can influence the temperature such as physical activity, room temperature, heavy clothing, high humidity, and strong emotions. In women, during the later part of the menstrual cycle the body temperature can be higher by 1 or more degrees.
In addition to colds, flu and other viruses, fever can be caused by issues such as autoimmune or inflammatory disorders i.e. lupus, arthritis and ulcerative colitis. Fever can be an early symptom in some cancers such as leukemia, Hodgkin’s disease and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Children can experience a mild fever (less than 100F) with teething. They may also exhibit a mild fever for one or two days following immunizations.
For mild fever, action is not necessary unless the person is uncomfortable. Rest and fluids are all that is needed. However, infants 3 months of age and younger should be seen by a practitioner if they experience a rectal temperature of 100.4F/38C or higher. Call the pediatrician right away.
The illness and fever are not considered serious if the child is:
- Eating and drinking adequately
- Alert and smiling
- Has normal skin color
- Still interested in playing
Reduce a Fever
Steps to lower the temperature should be taken if the adult or child is uncomfortable, vomiting, having diarrhea, is dehydrated or not sleeping well. Since the fever is part of the body’s defense mechanisms, eliminating the fever is not the goal, but rather just to lower it and make the person comfortable.
Cooling measures include removing excess clothing or blankets, using a fan if the room is hot and stuffy, and taking a lukewarm bath or sponge bath.
A Few Don’ts About Fevers
Don’t bundle up anyone experiencing chills. This chilling is the body’s way of cooling itself down and excess clothing or blankets will actually hold in the heat and not allow the body to cool off. The same is true for ice baths or alcohol rubs. These cool off the skin but close off the pores and don’t allow the body to cool itself.
Be Safe with Medications
Medications can help to reduce the fever, but there are specific precautions especially for children. Aspirin is very effective in reducing fever in adults, but it should never be given to children. Acetaminophen works by turning down the thermostat in the brain and can be given every 4-6 hours. Ibuprofen also works well, but should not be given to children under six months of age. It can be taken every 6-8 hours.
Dosages are determined by weight. This is especially true for children and an important fact to know and understand. Read instructions carefully and don’t estimate. Many liquid medications come with graduated medicine cups or droppers. Use them and wash with hot soapy water after each dose.
If medications are being taken for cold or flu symptoms, read the labels carefully to avoid overdoses as they often contain acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of liquids such as water, popsicles, ice chips, soups and gelatin. Too much fruit juice can cause diarrhea. Young children should not drink sports drinks unless directed by the physician. Sleep as much as possible. The appetite may be diminished and this is OK. Don’t force foods.
Seek medical attention if in doubt or the fever persists for more than a couple of days, other symptoms appear or worsen, or the person has chronic medical conditions.
Resources
 |
 |
 |
