Is 104 Temp Dangerous: Understanding High Fevers in Children

25.07.202317.07.2023 by alexxlab

How high a fever is too high for children. What temperature is considered a fever in kids. When should you worry about a child’s fever. How to properly measure and manage fevers in children.

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Understanding Fever: Myths vs. Facts

Fever is often a source of anxiety for parents, but it’s important to separate fact from fiction. Let’s explore some common myths and the truth behind them:

What constitutes a true fever?

Contrary to popular belief, temperatures between 98.7°F and 100°F (37.1°C to 37.8°C) are not considered low-grade fevers. These are actually normal variations in body temperature. A genuine fever is defined as any temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.

Are fevers dangerous for children?

Many parents worry that fevers can cause brain damage or seizures. However, fevers are generally beneficial, signaling that the body’s immune system is actively fighting infection. Fevers do not cause brain damage, and only about 4% of children experience febrile seizures, which, while alarming, are typically harmless and short-lived.

Do all fevers require treatment?

It’s a common misconception that every fever needs to be treated with medication. In reality, fevers only require treatment if the child is uncomfortable, usually when temperatures exceed 102°F or 103°F (39°C or 39.4°C). Even with treatment, fevers may not disappear entirely, often reducing by just 2°F or 3°F (1.1°C or 1.7°C).

The Importance of Fever in Children’s Health

Despite the concern it often causes, fever plays a crucial role in a child’s health:

It’s a protective mechanism indicating an active immune response
Fever helps the body fight infections more effectively
It’s usually a sign that the child’s immune system is functioning properly

Understanding the purpose of fever can help parents approach it with less anxiety and more confidence in their child’s natural healing processes.

When Is a Fever Too High for a Child?

For children aged 2-18 years, a fever reaching 104°F (40°C) is generally the point at which parents should start to worry. However, it’s not always necessary to medicate before the temperature reaches 102-103°F (38.9-39.4°C).

How to manage high fevers in children?

When dealing with high fevers:

Keep the child hydrated
Ensure they’re not overdressed or covered with too many blankets
If uncomfortable, administer Tylenol or ibuprofen (never aspirin for children under 18)
Monitor the child’s overall condition rather than focusing solely on the temperature

Remember, it’s not always necessary to “break” the fever. The body’s natural fever response can help fight off infections more effectively.

Proper Temperature Measurement Techniques

Accurately measuring a child’s temperature is crucial for proper assessment and treatment. The method varies depending on the child’s age:

For children aged 2-4 years:

Temporal artery temperature
Armpit (axillary) temperature
Ear (tympanic) temperature
Rectal temperature (most accurate, use if in doubt)

Axillary measurements are the least accurate but can be useful for initial screenings.

For older children and teenagers:

Oral temperature
Temporal artery temperature
Ear (tympanic) temperature

Regardless of the method used, it’s essential to follow the instructions for the specific thermometer and ensure consistency in measurement technique for accurate monitoring.

Fever in Infants: A Special Consideration

While older children can typically handle fevers well, infants require special attention:

Why are fevers in infants concerning?

Babies under 3 months of age have underdeveloped immune systems, making them more vulnerable to infections. Any fever in this age group should be taken seriously and warrants immediate medical attention.

What to do if an infant has a fever?

Contact your healthcare provider immediately
If it’s outside office hours, consider urgent care or emergency services
Do not attempt to treat the fever at home without medical guidance

The rapid response to infant fevers is crucial in preventing potentially serious complications and ensuring proper treatment of any underlying conditions.

Debunking the Fever Severity Myth

A common misconception is that the height of a fever directly correlates with the severity of the illness. However, this is not always the case:

Does a high fever always indicate a serious condition?

The temperature alone does not determine the seriousness of an illness. A child with a relatively low fever might be seriously ill, while another with a high fever could have a minor viral infection. The key is to assess the child’s overall condition and behavior.

What should parents focus on besides temperature?

The child’s level of alertness and responsiveness
Hydration status
Presence of other symptoms (e.g., severe headache, stiff neck, difficulty breathing)
Duration of the fever

These factors, combined with the temperature reading, provide a more comprehensive picture of the child’s health status.

Fever Management: Medication and Home Care

While not all fevers require treatment, there are times when medication and home care can help manage symptoms and improve comfort:

When should fever-reducing medications be used?

Consider using fever reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen when:

The child is visibly uncomfortable or in pain
The fever is interfering with sleep or daily activities
The temperature exceeds 102°F or 103°F (39°C or 39.4°C)

What are effective home care strategies for managing fever?

Encourage fluid intake to prevent dehydration
Dress the child in light, breathable clothing
Keep the room temperature comfortable, not too warm
Offer popsicles or ice chips for hydration and comfort
Use a lukewarm compress on the forehead or wrists

Remember, the goal is not necessarily to eliminate the fever but to keep the child comfortable and support their body’s natural healing process.

When to Seek Medical Attention for a Fever

While most fevers in children are not cause for alarm, certain situations warrant professional medical evaluation:

What are the red flags that require immediate medical attention?

Fever in an infant under 3 months old
Temperature over 104°F (40°C) that doesn’t respond to medication
Fever lasting more than 3 days
Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, sunken eyes, reduced urine output)
Severe headache or neck stiffness
Difficulty breathing or chest pain
Unusual rashes or bruising
Persistent vomiting or abdominal pain
Signs of serious infection (e.g., severe sore throat, ear pain)

How can parents differentiate between a manageable fever and one requiring medical intervention?

Consider these factors:

The child’s age (younger children require more caution)
Overall behavior and responsiveness
Presence of other concerning symptoms
Duration and pattern of the fever
Response to home care and over-the-counter medications

When in doubt, it’s always better to consult with a healthcare provider. They can provide personalized guidance based on your child’s specific situation and medical history.

Understanding Febrile Seizures

Febrile seizures, while frightening for parents, are generally harmless and do not indicate a serious problem:

What are febrile seizures and how common are they?

Febrile seizures are convulsions that can occur in children with high fevers. They affect about 4% of children, typically between 6 months and 5 years of age. Despite their alarming appearance, these seizures are usually short-lived and do not cause long-term harm.

How should parents respond to a febrile seizure?

Stay calm and note the time the seizure starts
Place the child on a safe, flat surface
Turn the child onto their side to prevent choking
Do not try to restrain the child or put anything in their mouth
If the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, call emergency services

After the seizure, contact your healthcare provider for guidance on follow-up care and to rule out any underlying conditions.

The Role of Fever in Fighting Infections

Understanding how fever helps combat infections can alleviate parental concerns and promote a more balanced approach to fever management:

How does fever contribute to the body’s defense against pathogens?

Fever plays several crucial roles in fighting infections:

It increases the production and activity of white blood cells
Higher temperatures can slow down the growth of some bacteria and viruses
It enhances the body’s overall immune response
Fever can make the body less hospitable for pathogens

Can suppressing fever hinder the healing process?

While fever-reducing medications can provide comfort, unnecessary or excessive use might potentially slow down the body’s natural healing processes. It’s important to strike a balance between managing discomfort and allowing the body’s defenses to work effectively.

By understanding the beneficial aspects of fever, parents can approach fever management with more confidence and less anxiety, focusing on their child’s overall well-being rather than solely on temperature reduction.

Top 5 fever myths and facts

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Texas Children’s Blog

For many parents, fever is one of the most concerning and alarming symptoms a child can have. There are many scary fever myths out there – and it’s time to set the record straight! To many pediatricians, fever is considered a good sign that the body is mounting a response to an infection. Here are my top five fever myths and facts:

Myth #1: Temperatures between 98.7°F and 100°F (37.1°C to 37.8°C) are low-grade fevers.

Fact: These temperatures are actually normal variations and are not fevers. The body’s temperature changes throughout the day and is naturally higher in the afternoon and evening. An actual fever is any temperature of 100.4°F or higher.

Myth #2: Fevers are bad, can cause brain damage or seizures and are dangerous to my child.

Fact: Fevers are a protective mechanism and a sign that the body’s immune system is turned on. Most fevers are good for sick children and help the body fight infection. Fevers do not cause brain damage. As for seizures, the vast majority (96 percent) of children do not have seizures with a fever. About 4 percent of children can have a seizure with a fever – this is called a febrile seizure. Febrile seizures are scary to watch, but they usually stop within five minutes. They do not cause brain damage or have long-term side effects. Children who have had febrile seizures are not at greater risk for developmental delays or learning disabilities.

Myth #3: All fevers need to be treated with fever medicine (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen). After treatment, the fever should go away completely.

Fact: Fevers need to be treated only if the child is uncomfortable. For young children, that usually means fevers over 102°F or 103°F (39°C or 39.4°C). With treatment, fevers usually come down 2°F or 3°F (1.1°C or 1.7°C) but may not go away completely. There is no harm in not treating a fever.

Myth #4: The exact number of the temperature is very important. If the fever is high, the cause is serious.

Fact: How your child looks is what’s important, not the exact temperature. If the fever is high, the cause may or may not be serious. If your child looks very well, the cause is likely to be less serious. One exception is in babies who are less than 3 months of age. They should always be seen by a health care provider right away if they have a fever because their immune systems are not fully developed. If it’s the weekend and your baby spikes a fever, it’s best to call your doctor’s office and take them to an urgent care.

Myth #5: If the fever doesn’t come down (if you can’t “break the fever”), the cause is serious.

Fact: Whether a fever comes down or not, is not related to the seriousness of the infection. The height of the fever and how long it lasts does not tell us whether it is caused by a virus or bacteria. What matters most is how your child looks.

Author

Dr. Erica Wang, Texas Children’s Pediatrics – Grand Parkway

Departments

Texas Children’s Pediatrics

Fevers – Toddlers and Teens (2-18 years)

You’re not alone – we all fear the dreaded fever. It’s typically the first sign that something is going on with our kiddo and we rush around, grabbing all the medicine, preparing for the worst. Let’s start instead by congratulating our love’s immune system for doing its job and see how this plays out.

Fevers are caused by:

Illnesses (viral or bacterial)
Vaccinations
Overheating
Certain medications
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What is a normal temperature for kids?

As a whole, our body temperature can range quite a bit throughout the day. It is lowest in the morning and highest in the late afternoon. A normal rectal temperature reading can range from 96.8℉ to 100.3℉ (average of 98.6℉). A normal oral temperature reading can range from 95. 8℉ to 99.9℉ (average of 97.6℉).

When is a fever too high for a child?

For our kids who are 2-18 years old, we can let their fever hit 104℉ before we start to worry. You don’t even need to medicate them before they hit the 102-103℉ mark! If they are uncomfortable, you may give them Tylenol or ibuprofen, but otherwise it’s okay to let that fever get rid of the virus for them. No aspirin for any children under the age of 18. Keep your kiddo hydrated and make sure she’s not overdressed or lying in a pile of blankets.

It is a common misconception that we must rotate Tylenol and ibuprofen, but choosing just one is actually preferred. If the one you chose does not bring the fever down 2-3 ℉ within an hour, you may switch to the other medication. Our biggest concern is accidentally overdosing our kids – the less we give, the less we need to worry!

How to take temperature?

Two to four year olds: Temporal artery temperature, armpit (axillary) temperature, ear (tympanic) temperature, or rectal. If you’re ever questioning the results, rectal is the most accurate when in doubt. Axillary is the least accurate and not recommended.

Four years and beyond: All of the above will work for this age but hopefully by now, they can hold a thermometer under their tongue for an oral reading. Again, axillary is the least accurate. Rectal readings should be a distant memory for them now (and you, Mom and Dad!), thank the heavens.

Call your pediatrician if:

Temperature goes higher than 104℉
Any fever present more than 3 days
Your kiddo is lethargic
You notice signs of dehydration (dry mouth, no tears, no urinating >8 hrs)
Burning or pain with urination
Fever is accompanied by other symptoms that concern you (ear pain, vomiting, diarrhea)
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When to go to the ER with fever?

Difficulty breathing
Disoriented/confused
Seizures
Stiff neck
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When is a fever dangerous?

A truly dangerous fever is >108℉ and is extremely rare, only seen in situations such as a heat wave. However, all fevers >105℉ should be investigated with a doctor. That said, less than 1% of fevers go higher than 105℉.

How to break a fever?

Rest, drink lots of fluids, and stay cool! Remember: that fever is on our side, fighting off our infections. So unless our child’s fever hits 103℉ as discussed, there is no ‘breaking’ necessary.

Are fevers contagious?

Not necessarily. If a virus is the reason your child has a fever, then yes, they are considered contagious. But as discussed in the beginning here, vaccines or overdressing can also cause a fever – not contagious. And there are plenty of illnesses that may NOT cause a fever, so in general, don’t use fever as your guide on whether or not it can be spread to others.

Keep in mind that how your kiddo is behaving is always more important than the actual number on your Kinsa thermometer. Follow your gut if you feel like something is wrong, but otherwise don’t be afraid to let your kiddo’s immune system be the champion!

Is temperature up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit dangerous?

According to All Children’s Hospital, a temperature of 100 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit is normal when someone is fighting an infection. When the temperature rises above 102 F, it is usually recommended to take antipyretic drugs to ease comfort.

According to All Children’s Hospital, fever should be reduced by 2 to 3 degrees when medication is used to treat fever. Once body temperature reaches 108 F, brain damage can occur. However, this temperature is never reached due to infection or fever. The high body temperature needed to cause permanent damage only comes from extreme environmental conditions, such as a child locked in a closed car in hot weather.

Temperature minimums and maximums – temakashin — LiveJournal

What’s the weather like? And in +50°C and -50°C, and even in a larger range, you can live, in principle. Air conditioners, fans and jackets will help us with this. Well, someone, of course, will die and nothing can be done about it, because we do not live in a terrarium.

What is the lowest air temperature ever recorded on Earth?

The lowest air temperature on Earth was recorded at the Soviet Antarctic station “Vostok” on July 21, 1983, when the platinum thermometer at the meteorological site showed -89.2°С. This is the lowest temperature in the history of meteorological observations.

The lowest temperature recorded in our country is -78°С. Incredible frost took place in the upper reaches of the Indigirka River.

The lowest air temperature in the habitable regions of the planet was recorded on 1964 in Yakutia in the village of Oymyakon – -71.1 ° С. The entire interfluve of the upper reaches of the Yana and Indigirka rivers is considered to be the region of the cold pole of the Northern Hemisphere.

What is the highest air temperature ever recorded on Earth?

The highest temperature on Earth recorded in Libya in 1922 is +57. 8°С.

The highest soil temperature was recorded at Shurchi station in Uzbekistan. The temperature of irrigated light gray soils here reaches 79°C. At the Repetek station in Turkmenistan, the sand is heated to 77°C.

What is the maximum outdoor temperature a person can withstand?

For a short time, a person can be in dry air at very high temperatures. A person can tolerate a temperature of 160°C. This was proved by the English physicists Blagden and Chantry, who conducted an experiment on themselves. A person can tolerate a temperature of 104°C for 26 minutes, 93°C for 33 minutes, 82°C for 49 minutes, and 71°C for 1 hour; This was established in the course of experiments with healthy human volunteers.

What is the minimum outdoor temperature a person can withstand?

It depends on the state of his health and clothing, but most importantly – on the speed of the wind. In Yakutia in winter, people spend hours in the cold, with air temperatures below -50 ° C, but they are appropriately dressed, and in the conditions of the central part of the Siberian anticyclone, wind is usually observed.