A fever is a temporary increase in body temperature, and a sign that you’re fighting an illness or infection. The average normal temperature for a health person is 98.6 F (37 C). When it rises above that, especially in infants and toddlers, it can be serious.
Babies who have fevers should be seen by a health care provider immediately.
“A fever in a newborn, less than a month, is always an emergency,” says Dr. Tina Ardon, a Mayo Clinic family physician. “A baby less than 3 months with a fever is still pretty concerning, so we’re going to want to see that child, as well.”
But when talking about fevers in older kids, Dr. Ardon says a rising number on the thermometer isn’t usually an emergency, at least initially.
“Parents can feel comfortable watching their children for up to three days as long as they’re hydrating and otherwise acting well,” says Dr. Ardon. “But I may see another child with a 101 fever who hasn’t been drinking all day and hasn’t used the restroom all day, and that’s more concerning to me.”
She says hydration is important when your child has a fever because the high temperature causes the body to lose fluids.
“When you’re treating a fever, the goal is not to get your temperature down to a normal temperature. It really is just to make the patient or the child feel more comfortable,” says Dr. Ardon.
She says over-the-counter medications can sometimes help, but check with your provider first.
‘Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network.’[/vc_message]
Disclaimer
The information contained in South Florida Reporter is for general information purposes only.
The South Florida Reporter assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the contents of the Service.
In no event shall the South Florida Reporter be liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or any damages whatsoever, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other tort, arising out of or in connection with the use of the Service or the contents of the Service. The Company reserves the right to make additions, deletions, or modifications to the contents of the Service at any time without prior notice.
The Company does not warrant that the Service is free of viruses or other harmful components
