Fevers in Children

If the child has a fever, please talk with your care provider for the best next steps. A general rule for fevers is as follows:
 

• Treat the child, not the fever. If child is playing, can be soothed, does not seem listless or in extreme discomfort, palliative measures are best. Fever reducing medications should be used sparingly as the fever is doing the job of killing any virus or bacteria present. 
   

• Palliative measures:

  • Wet sock treatment

  • Wrapping the calves in cold towels or sheet

  • Warm bath, followed by wrapping up in covers to sweat it out and sleep (not if already having a fever of >101)

  • Diaphoretic herbs and teas. Discuss with healthcare provider

  • To lower fever if child is uncomfortable: cool compresses to face and body, cold water to drink, calf wrap and/or wet sock treatment 

 

• Hydration is key. They are OK not eating as much. Teas with Linden, mint, verbena and chamomile work well to reduce fevers. Breastfeed whenever possible. 

 

Cause for in-office evaluation:

• Altered mental status (significant irritability or lethargy)

• Rash

• Signs of dehydration (not as many wet diapers as normal, soft spot on head is sunken in, skin feels dry and hot and does not bounce back when pinched)

• Localized pain (ears, abdomen, neck, joint)

• Child has an acute or chronic illness that will disrupt their bodies ability to handle a fever

 

Fever red flags by age:

• 0-6weeks: >101 F is a medical emergency

• <3mo: 100.4 or higher not responsive to antipyretic meds

• Any child: >104 not responsive to meds, lethargy, excessive irritability, meningeal sxs (stiff neck)

Medication information if child is in pain or cannot sleep after palliative measures are taken

• No Aspirin until 18 years.

• NO COUGH OR COLD MEDICINES.  If your child gets a cold, try humidified air. Please call the Childrens nurse line or 911 if your child seems to be having difficulty breathing.

• Tylenol (Acetaminophen) or Advil/Motrin (Ibuprofen) may be given for fever or pain relief. We recommend using these as sparingly as possible. I prefer Advil/Motrin as first line. Below is a medication chart but always use the product recommendations on the bottle you are using. 

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For off-hours advice: Children's Hospital Colorado ParentSmart Healthline (720-777-0123) you can receive free health care advice from registered nurses 24/7.