What causes fever in toddlers. How to recognize fever symptoms in children. When to call a doctor for a child’s fever. What are the best ways to treat fever in toddlers. How to safely manage fever in infants under 3 months.

Understanding Fever in Young Children

Fever is a common occurrence in toddlers and young children, often causing concern for parents. While it can be distressing to see your child unwell, fever is usually a sign that the body is fighting off an infection. Let’s explore the key aspects of fever in children to help parents better understand and manage this condition.

What Exactly is a Fever?

A fever is defined as a body temperature of 37.4°C (99.3°F) or above. It’s important to note that a child’s normal body temperature can fluctuate throughout the day and may be influenced by factors such as physical activity or the environment. To accurately assess fever, it’s crucial to use a reliable thermometer rather than relying on touch alone.

Common Causes of Fever in Toddlers

Fever in toddlers can be triggered by various factors, with viral infections being the most common cause. These may include:

• Common cold
• Flu
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
• Gastroenteritis

Bacterial infections, though less common, can also lead to fever. Examples include:

• Strep throat
• Ear infections
• Urinary tract infections

In rare cases, fever may be a sign of more serious conditions such as pneumonia or meningitis. This is why it’s crucial for parents to monitor their child’s symptoms closely and seek medical advice when necessary.

Recognizing Fever Symptoms in Toddlers

Identifying fever in toddlers goes beyond just noting an elevated temperature. There are several accompanying symptoms parents should be aware of:

• Irritability or fussiness
• Lethargy or decreased activity
• Increased sleeping time
• Reduced appetite for food and drinks
• Shivering or chills
• Flushed cheeks
• Sweating (especially when the fever breaks)

In some cases, children may experience febrile seizures during a sudden rise in temperature. While these can be frightening for parents, they are generally harmless and do not cause long-term effects. However, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider if your child experiences a seizure.

Is a Higher Temperature Always Worse?

Contrary to popular belief, a higher temperature doesn’t necessarily indicate a more severe illness. Dr. Erin Frank, a pediatric hospitalist, explains, “Parents think it’s a bad thing for their child to have a fever, but it’s a sign the body is working as it should.” The body raises its temperature as part of its defense mechanism against infections.

When to Seek Medical Attention for a Child’s Fever

While most fevers in toddlers can be managed at home, there are situations where medical attention is necessary. Here are some guidelines for when to contact your pediatrician or visit the emergency room:

Call Your Pediatrician If:

• Your child’s fever persists for more than five days
• The fever is accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as severe headache, stiff neck, or difficulty breathing
• Your child appears very ill or unusually drowsy
• You have any concerns or questions about your child’s condition

Seek Immediate Medical Care If:

• Your infant is younger than 3 months old and has a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher
• Your child’s temperature exceeds 41°C (105.8°F)
• Your child shows signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, no tears when crying, or decreased urination
• Your child experiences a febrile seizure

Dr. Frank advises, “There is not a magic number of 104 degrees or 105 degrees. But with higher fevers or if you’re ever concerned, it’s at least worth a call to check in with your doctor. Your doctor can provide reassurance, especially if you are calling in the middle of the night.”

Effective Home Treatments for Fever in Toddlers

While fever itself is not harmful and is often a sign that the body is fighting infection, there are several ways to help your child feel more comfortable:

Medication Options

Over-the-counter medications can help reduce fever and alleviate discomfort. The two main options are:

• Acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol)
• Ibuprofen (e.g., Advil)

Dr. Frank notes, “When kids feel really unwell, they’re fussier and grumpy. By treating the fever with common over-the-counter drugs, it allows them to feel better.” It’s crucial to follow the correct dosage instructions based on your child’s age and weight. Alternating between acetaminophen and ibuprofen is also acceptable, as they work differently in the body.

Non-Medicinal Approaches

In addition to medication, there are several non-medicinal ways to help manage your child’s fever:

• Apply cool cloths to the forehead, wrists, and back of the neck
• Encourage fluid intake to prevent dehydration
• Dress your child in light, breathable clothing
• Keep the room temperature comfortable, not too hot or cold
• Allow for plenty of rest

Remember, the goal is to make your child comfortable, not to bring the temperature down to normal forcibly.

What Not to Do When Treating a Child’s Fever

While there are many effective ways to manage fever in toddlers, there are also some practices to avoid:

• Don’t give your child an ice bath. This can cause discomfort and may lead to shivering, which can actually raise body temperature.
• Avoid forcing your child to eat if they don’t have an appetite. Focus on maintaining hydration instead.
• Don’t use alcohol rubs or cold water to bring down the fever. These methods can be dangerous and ineffective.
• Never give aspirin to children or teenagers, as it can lead to a serious condition called Reye’s syndrome.
• Don’t bundle up a feverish child in heavy blankets or clothing, as this can prevent body heat from dissipating.

Dr. Frank emphasizes, “It’s really not necessary to eat in the short term, but drinking fluids is important for sick children.” Focus on offering a variety of beverages, including water, clear broths, and electrolyte solutions designed for children.

Special Considerations for Infants Under 3 Months

Fever in very young infants requires special attention and care. If your baby is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention. This is because young infants are more susceptible to serious infections, and their immune systems are not yet fully developed.

Why is Fever in Young Infants Concerning?

• Infants under 3 months have immature immune systems
• They are at higher risk for serious bacterial infections
• Fever can be the only sign of a potentially severe illness in young babies
• Rapid progression of illness is more likely in this age group

In these cases, healthcare providers may perform a more thorough evaluation, including blood tests, urine analysis, and possibly a spinal tap to rule out serious infections like meningitis or sepsis.

Understanding Febrile Seizures in Children

Febrile seizures can be a frightening experience for parents, but they are generally harmless and do not cause long-term effects. These seizures occur in about 2-5% of children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years, usually during the first day of a fever.

What Happens During a Febrile Seizure?

During a febrile seizure, a child may:

• Become unconscious
• Experience body stiffness
• Have jerking movements of the arms and legs
• Roll their eyes back
• Lose bladder or bowel control

Most febrile seizures last less than five minutes and stop on their own. While they don’t cause brain damage, it’s important to have your child evaluated by a healthcare provider after their first febrile seizure.

What to Do If Your Child Has a Febrile Seizure

1. Stay calm and note the time the seizure starts
2. Place your child on a safe, flat surface
3. Turn them onto their side to prevent choking
4. Do not put anything in their mouth
5. Do not try to hold them down or stop their movements
6. Call emergency services if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes

After the seizure, your child may be sleepy or confused for a short time. It’s important to have them evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out other potential causes and receive guidance on managing future fevers.

The Role of Hydration in Fever Management

Maintaining proper hydration is crucial when your child has a fever. Elevated body temperature can lead to increased fluid loss through sweating and rapid breathing. Additionally, children with fever often have decreased appetite and fluid intake, further increasing the risk of dehydration.

Signs of Dehydration in Children

Watch for these signs of dehydration in your feverish child:

• Dry mouth and lips
• Sunken eyes
• Decreased urine output or darker urine
• No tears when crying
• Lethargy or irritability
• Sunken soft spot (fontanelle) in infants

Best Fluids for Feverish Children

Offer your child a variety of fluids to maintain hydration:

• Water
• Clear broths
• Pediatric electrolyte solutions (e.g., Pedialyte)
• Popsicles or ice chips (for older children)
• Diluted fruit juices

Encourage small, frequent sips rather than large amounts at once, especially if your child is experiencing nausea. For breastfed infants, continue to offer breast milk as it provides both hydration and important antibodies.

When to Expect Improvement and Follow-Up Care

Most fevers in toddlers resolve within a few days as the body fights off the underlying infection. However, it’s important to monitor your child’s progress and know when additional medical attention may be needed.

Timeline for Fever Resolution

• Viral infections: Fever typically lasts 3-5 days
• Bacterial infections: Fever may persist until appropriate antibiotic treatment is started

If your child’s fever lasts more than five days or if there’s no improvement in their overall condition, it’s time to consult your pediatrician. They may want to reassess your child to rule out any complications or consider alternative diagnoses.

Follow-Up Care

After a fever episode, consider these follow-up steps:

1. Schedule a check-up with your pediatrician if advised
2. Monitor your child for any recurring symptoms
3. Ensure your child gets plenty of rest during recovery
4. Gradually reintroduce normal activities as your child feels better
5. Continue to encourage fluid intake to support recovery

Remember, every child recovers at their own pace. Some may bounce back quickly, while others may take a bit longer to return to their usual energy levels. If you have any concerns about your child’s recovery, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.

Preventing the Spread of Infections

While it’s not always possible to prevent fevers, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of infections spreading within your household and community:

Hygiene Practices

• Encourage frequent handwashing with soap and water
• Teach children to cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces regularly

Vaccination

Keeping your child up-to-date with recommended vaccinations can prevent many infections that cause fever. Consult with your pediatrician to ensure your child’s immunization schedule is current.

Isolation During Illness

When your child is sick with a fever:

• Keep them home from school or daycare
• Limit contact with siblings and other family members if possible
• Avoid sharing personal items like utensils, towels, or bedding

By following these preventive measures, you can help reduce the spread of infections and protect both your family and community.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Treating Fevers in Children

March 05, 2015

University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’sExperts in Children’s Health

Almost nothing makes a parent feel more helpless than when their child is sick with a fever. Although your child looks miserable, that fever actually may be a good thing.

“In the majority of kids who get fevers, it’s simply their body’s response to an infection,” says pediatric hospitalist Erin Frank, MD. “Parents think it’s a bad thing for their child to have a fever, but it’s a sign the body is working as it should.”

When to Call the Doctor About a Fever

Many parents aren’t sure when they should call the pediatrician if their child’s temperature spikes.

“There is not a magic number of 104 degrees or 105 degrees,” Dr. Frank says. “But with higher fevers or if you’re ever concerned, it’s at least worth a call to check in with your doctor. Your doctor can provide reassurance, especially if you are calling in the middle of the night.”

Your doctor will try to figure out what’s causing the fever. Usually, the main reason is a cold or viral infection. Sometimes, it’s a bacterial infection, such as strep throat or an ear infection. The pediatrician will also want to know how high the fever is.

What to Do When Your Child Has a Fever

There are several things you can do to help lower your child’s fever, such as:

• Use medication – “When kids feel really unwell, they’re fussier and grumpy,” Dr. Frank says. “By treating the fever with common over-the-counter drugs, it allows them to feel better.”
• Watch doses – While it’s okay to give your child acetaminophen (such asTylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Advil), give the correct doses. It’s also acceptable to switch between acetaminophen and ibuprofen while treating the fever. “They work very differently,” Dr. Frank says. “You can give both during the course of treating a fever. It takes 30 to 60 minutes for the medicine to take effect. If one is not effective after an hour, then try the other product.”
• Apply cool cloths – If your child’s skin feels hot, a cool washcloth on the forehead may provide some comfort.
• Drink liquids – Provide a variety of beverages besides water, such as Pedialyte or some other drink with electrolytes. “Your body does need liquids,” she says. “It’s really not necessary to eat in the short term, but drinking fluids is important for sick children.”

Dr. Frank says that if your child has a fever, do not:

• Give an ice bath, which can cause the child a lot of discomfort
• Push your child to maintain a regular schedule of activities. Children should scale back their activities and rest.

If your child’s fever lasts for more than five days,it’s time to see their doctor. Also, if your infant is younger than 2 months and has a fever, contact your pediatrician.

Erin Frank, MD is a pediatric hospitalist at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital. You can request an appointment with Dr. Frank or any other University Hospitals doctor online.

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Fever – Causes and Symptoms

Symptoms & Causes
Diagnosis & Treatment
Our Expertise & Doctors
FAQ

What is a fever?

A fever is an increased body temperature of 37.4°C or above. It is the body’s natural response when fighting an infection.

In children, it is common to see high temperatures of up to 40°C. Having a higher temperature does not indicate a more severe illness. However, for infants and toddlers, a fever may suggest a serious infection.

What are the symptoms of a fever?

When you have a fever, your body temperature is higher than 37.4°C. Don’t rely on touch to assess a temperature. Use a thermometer.

As a child, you may also experience:

• Irritability
• Lethargy
• Longer sleeping time
• Febrile fits during a sudden rise in temperature, or before a fever is detected.
• Reduced appetite for food and drinks
• Shivers

As an adult, you may also experience:

• Headaches
• Body aches
• Hot, flushed face
• Loss of appetite
• Sweating or weakness
• Shivers

When to visit the A&E?

Visit our 24-hour A&E clinic if you or your child have the following symptoms or medical history:

Child

Your young infant (below 3 months old) has a temperature of 38°C or more, or your child displays the following symptoms:

• A temperature exceeding 41°C
• Drowsiness or increased lethargy
• Fever for a few days with no other symptoms
• Extremely irritability or inconsolability despite efforts to lower the fever
• Recurrent vomiting, with a stiff neck or severe headache
• Refusal to drink fluids or unable to pass enough urine
• Severe pain over any part of the body
• Red lips, red eyes or a rash
• Hard or fast breathing
• Febrile fit or seizures
• Smelly urine

Adult

You had:

• A seizure or fits, coupled with fever
• Surgery or a medical procedure recently

You are:

• Pregnant
• Coughing up blood
• Struggling to breathe
• Undergoing chemotherapy with an oral temperature that exceeds 38ºC for more than 1 hour
• Taking steroids and medicines used to prevent rejection after an organ transplant

You have:

• Rashes
• Infections often
• Diabetes, heart disease, cancer, lupus, or sickle cell anaemia
• Recently been to Africa, Asia, Latin America, or the Middle East
• Severe pain in the belly, back, or sides
• Severe headache or neck pain
• Severe vomiting or diarrhoea
• Seizure or confusion
• Severe chest pain

What causes fever?

In children, fever is usually caused by the following.

• Viral infections such as colds, flus, gastroenteritis or dengue fever.
• Bacterial infections such as ear infections, pneumonia or urinary tract infections.

A fever might be also be caused by:

• Heat exhaustion
• Certain inflammatory conditions
• Certain drugs and medications
• Malignant tumours
• Vaccinations

Diagnosis & Treatment

This page has been reviewed by our medical content reviewers.

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High temperature in a child. – Family Clinic Alexandrovskaya

Your child has a fever. What are your first steps towards lowering the temperature and normalizing the child’s condition?!

Very often, parents sound the alarm, panic, with a sharp increase in body temperature against the background of complete health, because the child was just cheerful and active ???

Let’s look into this problem together with the pediatricians of the Aleksandrovskaya Family Clinic!

When your baby’s temperature rises, this is, first of all, a protective reaction of the body to the introduction of a foreign agent, followed by the development of an immune response and the formation of the so-called immunity to infectious diseases. In this case, you need to take into account that your child does not have a gross neurological pathology, for example, a convulsive syndrome. And most importantly, the general condition of your child does not suffer when the temperature rises!

Where to start?

There are many ways to reduce body temperature.

One of these methods can be applied at home. The physical method is one of the most available to you. This is rubdown.

But, before wiping the child, it is necessary to determine the type of temperature reaction, that is, fever.

There are two types of fever: white (pale) and “pink”.

• With white (pale) fever, your child’s extremities (arms and legs) become cold. So, you need to consider that white fever is a more serious condition, and if you pay attention to these signs, then you can’t wipe the child.
• For pink fever, your child’s limbs (hands and feet) are hot, then wipe the child with water. The water temperature should be 2-3 degrees below body temperature. We do not recommend wiping a child with alcohol-containing solutions or vinegar, since all these substances are absorbed through the skin and can harm, rather than benefit, your child’s body.

It is very important for your child to drink plenty of fluids, but even this should be done little by little.

For example, drink a teaspoon every 5-10 minutes. Do not force the child to eat by force, the food should not be hot, sparing.

If it is a baby, breastfeed more often.

The child needs to be provided with comfortable conditions in the apartment, keeping the room clean, the temperature in the room is not higher than 25 degrees, humidifying the air. Try to keep your child on bed rest, as even more heat is generated during the movement of the child.

Do not take antipyretic and antiviral drugs without a prescription from a pediatrician. Do not self-medicate! And immediately contact a doctor, in order to avoid complications, call a pediatrician at home!

Calling a pediatrician at home!

Author: Kosolapov Alexander Nikolaevich
Chief Physician. Candidate of Medical Sciences. Assistant professor.

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Temperature in a child: what to do

Any, even a very slight increase in temperature in a child
frightens young parents, and in a state of panic people tend to accept
rash decisions, the consequences of which can harm health
child. Our article will help you understand in what situations you can
get by with a pediatrician in a clinic, and in which you really need
take emergency measures, and what you can do yourself before consulting with
doctor to help the baby.

How to measure temperature?

When fever is suspected, it is important to take the temperature correctly in the first place.

Traditional axillary measurement is not considered the most reliable, but is safer for newborns than anus or ear measurement. Babies under two years old are recommended to measure the temperature rectally, and if this is not possible, then in the mouth, inguinal fold or armpit. To measure the temperature in infants in the mouth, electronic thermometers or special pacifier thermometers are used.

Ear temperature accuracy is generally good for adults and older children, but not good for toddlers under two years of age. Standard ear thermometers tend to be too big for their small ears and therefore may not be accurate.

Breast temperature: normal

With different methods of measuring temperature, the norm will be different:

• in the armpit – from 34.7°C to 37.3°C;
• rectal – 36.6°C to 38°C;
• in the ear – 35.8°C to 38°C;
• mouth – 35.5°C to 37.5°C

At
overheating, in a room that is too hot, in the sun, in an excessively warm
clothes, the temperature of the baby may even be slightly (by 0. 1–0.3 degrees)
above, and this difference will not be considered a deviation from the norm. Such
cases, it is enough to undress the child or move him to a cool
room for the temperature to return to normal.

When you need to urgently call an ambulance:

• If a child under 3 months of age has a fever above 38°C
• If fever is accompanied by severe vomiting, convulsions, fainting, loss of balance and other neurological symptoms.
• If you observe these symptoms without fever, you still need to call an ambulance.
• If the child has had a previous febrile seizure.
• If the baby has difficulty breathing, blue skin and/or barking cough. Again, in this situation, you need to call an ambulance and in the absence of temperature.
• If the baby has diagnosed diseases of the nervous or cardiovascular system.

When to call the district “ambulance”:

• If a child aged 3 to 6 months the temperature rose above 38. 5°C.
• If a child aged 6 months or more up to 1 year the temperature rose above 39.5°C.
• If the temperature is above 38.5°C in a child under one year old, it lasts longer than three days.
• If fever is accompanied by symptoms such as vomiting, rash, diarrhea, constant crying, sudden drowsiness.
• If the child is not able to drink water, the child’s eyes or fontanelle will go down and other signs of dehydration will be observed.
• If a child’s feet and hands become cold at high temperature, a “marble” pattern appears on the skin.

In other cases, it is usually enough to make an appointment and go with the child to the pediatrician over the next few days, but you should not completely refuse to consult a doctor.

Is it possible to cope with the temperature in the baby on their own?

It is extremely undesirable to engage in self-diagnosis and self-treatment, especially when it comes to small children. If the body temperature is above 38°C in a child, it is imperative to consult a pediatrician. The doctor will diagnose the baby, and, if necessary, prescribe medication.

But there are a few things you can do to help lower your temperature and make your baby feel better while you wait for your pediatrician’s or emergency room visit.

• Drinking plenty of water

Place your baby on the breast as often as possible and let him suckle as much as he wants. Give your baby plenty of water between feedings. If you have already introduced complementary foods, and the child refuses to breastfeed or drink water, offer him other drinks according to age – baby milk, compotes, baby juices or sour milk drinks. It is very important that the child drinks enough.

• Room temperature reduction

Ideally, the temperature in the room where the baby sleeps should be no more than 20-23°C. You should ventilate the room more often to provide the baby with access to fresh air.

• Warm water rubdown

Try wiping your baby with a cloth soaked in water at room temperature. After wiping, you can not wrap the child, because. the opposite effect may develop.

• Hand and foot warmer

If your baby’s hands and feet get cold at a high temperature, try to warm them up to improve blood circulation: first rub until reddened, and then put on warm woolen socks and mittens. If it is not possible to warm the limbs, call an ambulance.

What you should never do on your own:

• Wipe your child with vinegar or alcohol. This is fraught with vasospasm and can lead to the opposite effect, that is, an increase in body temperature, and also cause poisoning.
• Use drastic cooling methods such as pouring cold water on the baby or wrapping the baby in wet, cold towels. It can also cause vasospasm and aggravate the condition.
• Take medicines without consulting your doctor, especially if you have not taken them before.