Fever Facts Parents Should Know
Deb Everett, RN
Director
Provena Saint Joseph Hospital MedCare
Fever is the most common of all pediatric complaints. A fever is an increase in the body temperature and are typically caused by viral or bacterial infections.
Treatment of Fevers Medication
Fever medications help to bring a fever down and make your child more comfortable. They do not treat the underlying illness. Always give your child medication as directed by the physician. Remember that products are made in several strengths so be sure to choose the appropriate product for your child’s age. Always measure the medication with a dropper or measuring cup.
* Do not give aspirin to children.
Alternate Tylenol and Motrin every four hours (example: Tylenol at 8 am, Motrin at 12 pm; Tylenol at 4 pm, etc. for first 24-36 hours).
Fluids
Encourage your child to drink extra fluids. Body fluids are lost due to sweating during fevers making children prone to dehydration. Signs of dehydration include: no urine output in 8-12 hours, dry cracked lips, no tears when crying.
Rest
Children need to sleep more when their bodies are fighting an infection. Encourage your child to rest.
Less Clothing
Children should not be over bundled when they have a fever, as this tends to raise their temperature. Dress your child in light weight clothing. If your child is shivering and requires a blanket, offer your child a light blanket/sheet.
How to Measure Body Temperature
Obtain an accurate measurement of your child’s temperature with a thermometer. A rectal measurement is the most desirable and the most accurate in children under 3 years of age, and a must <1 year. Ear thermometers are not accurate. Oral and anal are more reliable.
Taking a Temperature
Rectal- Have your child lie on his stomach. Apply a small amount of lubricant (water soluble-example: KY not Vaseline) to the tip of thermometer and gently insert the thermometer past the anus into the rectum about ½ -1”. Keep hold of the end of the thermometer.
Underarm- Place the tip of the thermometer in a dry underarm. Close the underarm by holding the elbow against the chest until the thermometers beeps.
Oral (School aged children)- Be sure your child has had nothing cold or hot to eat or drink within the last 10 minutes. Place the thermometer under one side of the tongue. Have your child hold the thermometer in place with his lips and keep his mouth closed.
Follow up
See your child’s pediatrician in 48 hours. Seek immediate care if your child:
- Has a rectal temperature over 105
- Looks or acts very sick
- Has a seizure
- Has trouble breathing or drooling or unable to swallow
- Has stiffness of the neck, confused
- “Not acting normal” when fever comes down
- Worsening condition
Acetaminophen/Tylenol Dose
|
Weight/Childs Age |
Milligram Dosage |
Infant Drops 80mg/.8ml |
Children’s Liquid 160mg/5ml |
Children’s Soft Chews 80mg each |
Junior Strength Chews
160mg each |
| 12-17 lbs
6-11 months |
120mg | 1-1/2 droppers (1.2ml) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 18-33 lbs
12-23 months |
160mg | 2 droppers (1.6ml) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 24-35 lbs
2-3 yrs |
240mg | 3 droppers (2.4ml) | 1-1/2 tsp (7.5ml) | 3 tablets | 1-1/2 tablets |
| 36-47 lbs
4-5 yrs |
320mg | N/A | 2 tsp (10ml) | 4 tablets | 2 tablets |
| 47-59 lbs
6-8 yrs |
400mg | N/A | 2-1/2 tsp (12.5ml) | 5 tablets | 2-1/2 tablets |
| 60-71 lbs
9-10 yrs |
480mg | N/A | 3 tsp (1.5ml) | 6 tablets | 3 tablets |
| 72-95 lbs
11 yrs |
560mg | N/A | 4 tsp (20ml) | 8 tablets | 4 tablets |
| 96+ lbs
12 yrs |
640mg | N/A | N/A | N/A | 2 tablets
3.25mg/ea |
Ibuprofen/Motrin Dose
| Weight (lbs) | Dosage | Dose (tsp or ml) |
| 11-17 lbs | 75mg | ¾ tsp or 3.75ml |
| 18-23 lbs | 100mg | 1 tsp or 5 ml |
| 24-35 lbs | 150mg | 1-1/2 tsp or 7.5ml |
| 36-47 lbs | 200mg | 2 tsp or 10ml |
| 48-59 lbs | 275mg | 2-3/4 tsp or 13.75ml |
| 60-71 lbs | 325mg | 3-1/4 tsp or 16.25ml |
| 72-95 lbs | 450mg | 4-1/2 tsp or 22.5ml |
