What is a fever?
Fever is one of the most common acute presentations in childhood, with many children presenting as only mildly unwell or agitated. A fever may be described as medical condition in which the body temperature is greater than 37 C (98.6 F). In practice, a fever is considered significant when the body temperature is above 38 C (100.4F). The hypothalamus found in the midbrain is the structure responsible for regulating the body's temperature, and performing adjustments according to activity level and time of day.
In response to an infection, illness or other cause, the hypothalamus will increase the body temperature. Researchers believe this increase in body temperature is the natural response of the body in an attempt to "fight" off infections and make the body a less comfortable place for them.
Fever is one of the most common acute presentations in childhood, with many children presenting as only mildly unwell or agitated. A fever may be described as medical condition in which the body temperature is greater than 37 C (98.6 F). In practice, a fever is considered significant when the body temperature is above 38 C (100.4F). The hypothalamus found in the midbrain is the structure responsible for regulating the body's temperature, and performing adjustments according to activity level and time of day.
In response to an infection, illness or other cause, the hypothalamus will increase the body temperature. Researchers believe this increase in body temperature is the natural response of the body in an attempt to "fight" off infections and make the body a less comfortable place for them.
What cause a fever?
Teething: Although teething may cause a slight rise in body temperature, it will probably not be responsible for a temperature higher than 37.8 C (100 F).
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When a fever becomes serious...
It is always important to consider both the overall condition of the child and the temperature reading together. Children with a temperature less than 38.9 C (102 F) often do not require medication unless they are uncomfortable or are obviously distressed UNLESS the child is 3 months or younger. If the child is still...
...then chances are your child is alright and requires effective monitoring only. A loss of appetite alone may not indicate a serious fever, rather pay attention to the amount a child drinks and the frequency of urination.
It is always important to consider both the overall condition of the child and the temperature reading together. Children with a temperature less than 38.9 C (102 F) often do not require medication unless they are uncomfortable or are obviously distressed UNLESS the child is 3 months or younger. If the child is still...
- interested in playing
- eating and drinking well
- alert and smiling at you
- has a normal skin colour
...then chances are your child is alright and requires effective monitoring only. A loss of appetite alone may not indicate a serious fever, rather pay attention to the amount a child drinks and the frequency of urination.
- Healthy Child Monitoba. Caring for a child with a fever.
Measuring a child's temperature
Rectal temperature measurement:
(38 C/ 100.4 F)
(38 C/ 100.4 F)
First lubricate the thermometer with a lubricant, place the child belly down across your lap or face up with their legs bent towards the chest. Insert the thermometer into the anal opening about 1.5 to 2.5 cm or until the tip of the thermometer is fully in the rectum. Stop if any resistance is felt. Wait for the thermometer to obtain a reading and write it down as well as the time of day. Remove the thermometer and clean as required.
Oral temperature measurement:
(37.5 C/ 99.5 F)
(37.5 C/ 99.5 F)
Wait 20 to 30 min after your child has eaten or drunk any liquids. Make sure the mouth is clean and free of gum or sweets. Place the tip of the thermometer under the tongue and request the child to close their lips around it. Remind them not to bite down and relax whilst breathing normally through their nose. Wait for the thermometer to obtain a reading and write it down as well as the time of day. Remove the thermometer and clean as required.
Axiliary temperature measurement:
(37.2 C/ 99 F)
(37.2 C/ 99 F)
Generally, an axiliary temperature reading is not as accurate as a rectal or oral temperature. Remove the child's shirt and undershirt and place the thermometer under an armpit, which should touch the skin only, and not any clothing. Ask the child to fold their arms across their chest to help hold the thermometer in place and wait for the thermometer to obtain a reading and write it down as well as the time of day. Remove the thermometer and clean as required.
It's time to go to the ER when:
If an older child has a fever of less than 39 C/ 102.2 F and:
- refuses any fluids or seems to ill to drink
- has any signs of frequent diarrhea or vomiting
- has signs of dehydration
- still has a fever after 24 hours (children younger than 2 years) or 72 hours (children older than 2 years)
- specifies a complaint (eg: sore throat)
- has a chronic medical problem such as heart disease
- has a rash
- cries inconsolably
- presents with extreme lethargy and difficulty walking
- has a stiff neck, severe headaches
- develops a rash or purple spots that look like bruises on the skin
- any difficulty breathing
- has a seizure
- has abdominal pain
- leans forward and drools
When in doubt, report to the ER.
- The Nemours Foundation/Kids Health. 1995 - 2015 Seattle Children's Hospital
An Injury and Prevention Awareness Project brought to you by Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital Trauma & Emergency Centre.