A Hot Topic

“Resist the urge to panic,” says Doug Carlson, MD, emergency department physician at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. “Fever is defined as a body temperature of 100.4° Fahrenheit or higher. It is the body’s natural immune response to an invader and is not as dangerous as parents usually believe. Most fevers will go away on their own without treatment, and rather than giving in to‘fever phobia,’ parents should relax and trust their instincts.”

Fevers are mainly caused by colds, viruses and bacterial infections. Often, fevers are beneficial to the body, because they slow down viruses and fight infections.

When to treat
Rather than focusing on the number on the thermometer, pay attention to your child’s overall appearance. If he or she is uncomfortable, acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help. If your child is feeling okay, there is no reason to administer a fever reducer. You should seek help if:

• Your child is under 3 months old and the fever is 100.4°F or higher by any route
• Your child looks seriously ill, even with a low-grade fever
• The fever goes above 105°F by any route
• The fever lasts longer than 3 days

Which Thermometer Is Best?
“Digital thermometers are quick and reliable,” says Lisa Swerczek, RN, Answer Line nurse at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. “Temperature can be taken under the arm for infants and young children. For children over age 4, an oral temperature can be taken. If the child is over 6 months old, an ear scan thermometer can be used. We do not recommend plastic forehead strips or glass thermometers with mercury. Glass thermometers should be removed from the home in order to prevent accidental exposure to this toxin.”