AGE TEMPERATURE CALL
3 months or younger 100.4 degrees F or higher (rectal) Yes
3 to 6 months 102 degrees F or higher Yes
Over 6 months 103 degrees F or higher Yes
and higher in the evening or after
exercise or play. An oral temperature
of 99° F or less, or rectal temperature
of 100.4°F or less, is usually considered
normal. Anything above these
temperatures may indicate a fever. It
is also not uncommon for kids and
babies to run a low-grade fever after a
vaccination. Teething may also cause
a slightly higher body temperature,
but typically no higher than 100°F.
A fever may cause breathing or heart
rate to quicken. Call the doctor if your
child has breathing problems or is
breathing faster than normal.
TAKING YOUR CHILD’S TEMPERATURE
Sooner or later every parent
wonders: Oral or rectal? For
children under 3 years old,
the American Academy of
Pediatrics recommends rectal
temperature readings as these
are the most accurate. For
children 4 to 5 years and older,
temperature by mouth is sufficient.
In any case, never use a
mercury thermometer—the risk
of possible mercury exposure
is a danger to your child and digital
thermometers are safe and accurate.
OTHER SYMPTOMS
Call the pediatrician if you notice any
of these symptoms or behaviors:
• Unusual drowsiness or fussiness
• Unexplained rash
• Neck stiffness
• Repeated vomiting or complaining
that the light hurts their eyes
• Labored breathing
• Seizures
• Fever that lasts more than a day
(children younger than 2) or more
than 3 days (children 2 and older)
YOUR CHILD'S COMFORT
Make sure your child takes in plenty
of fluids to help prevent dehydration
and allow the body to cool down.
Water, soup, popsicles, and Jell-O are
all good options. If your child can’t or
won’t eat, do not try to force them.
Make sure your child gets plenty of
rest, use light clothing and blankets
and keep them home.
You can give acetaminophen or ibuprofen
based on the package recommendations
for age or weight, but
never give aspirin to a child due to
its association with Reye syndrome,
a rare but potentially fatal disease. If
you don't know the recommended
dose or your child is younger than 2
years old, call the doctor.
Remember: if you ever have any
doubts or concerns, always call your
doctor for advice!
COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE DIGEST • OCT–DEC 2018 | WWW.CHDIGEST.COM 17
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