Fever

How is Body Temperature Measured?

A person's temperature is measured by using an oral or rectal thermometer. Rectal thermometers are recommended for young children who cannot keep their mouths closed over the thermometer. You can buy a thermometer for about $1.25 at most drug stores.

What is Fever?

Oral temperature is normal up to 99° F. Rectal temperature is normal up to 100° F. Temperatures above those numbers are called fever.

What Causes Fever?

Fever is one way the body tries to fight infection. Fever often occurs with colds, flu, sore throats, and earaches, and also occurs with more serious infections like pneumonia, appendicitis, and meningitis.

What Is The Home Treatment For Fever?

First, take the temperature. If the fever is less than 104° rectally or 103° orally, follow these directions:

Take aspirin or Tylenol®. (Do not use aspirin for babies, children, or teenagers unless recommended by your doctor.)
Wear as little clothing as possible. Don't bundle your baby up. Let babies wear diapers/panties and a T-shirt.
In the summer, a fan may be helpful.
For a baby or a child with temperature over 101° F, a lukewarm sponge bath for 10 to 15 minutes may help bring the temperature down. Do not bathe with alcohol.
Drink a lot of liquids like water, soup, broth, juices, jellos, soda, popsicles, and tea.
Get plenty of rest.

When Should You Call The Doctor?

Call the doctor if:

your body is less than two months old and has a fever.
fever is more than 104° F rectal or more than 103°F oral.
baby is fussier or sleepier than usual.
fever with a stiff neck, pulling at ears, severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, convulsions, or very rapid breathing.
fever and the child will not drink juice, water or milk for several hours.
fever and worry about how the child is acting. A child with fever may not be as playful as usual but should respond to you when you call him/her.
fever when the person has a chronic disease (like sickle cell disease, diabetes, or lung trouble) or if a person feels very sick.

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