Fevers are a common symptom of many viruses and other illnesses children will inevitably encounter at some point. Although it can be concerning to see a higher-than-normal reading on your child’s thermometer, a fever is the body’s natural way of fighting infection. Still, pediatricians recommend controlling fevers to prevent them from becoming dangerously high. Here’s what all parents should know about treatments. 

Home Treatments for Fevers

The recommendations for treating fevers vary based on the child’s temperature and age. In many cases, fevers can be treated effectively at home. For example, children who are over the age of six months should receive age-appropriate doses of children’s ibuprofen or acetaminophen for a fever above 102 degrees. 

In most cases, fevers lower than 102 degrees don’t require medication. They should still be treated with plenty of rest and fluids, which could include breast milk or formula for infants.

When to Call the Doctor

Fevers could cause complications when they last for too long, get too high, or occur in especially young children. For this reason, parents should call the pediatrician any time a baby three months or younger has a fever of 100.4 or higher, even if there aren’t any other symptoms present. Children who are three to six months old and have a fever above 102 degrees may also need to be seen by a doctor.

In children over the age of two, pediatricians generally advise calling when fevers don’t respond to medication or last longer than three days. Additionally, any fever accompanied by symptoms such as lethargy or irritability warrant a call to the doctor.

If you’re seeking a pediatrician to provide top-notch care for your child, turn to Children & Adolescent Clinic in Hastings, NE. This team of caring physicians specializes in care for children and teens and provides a wide range of services to meet each patient’s unique needs. Find out more about the clinic online or call (402) 463-6828 to schedule an appointment.