Unfortunately, we have been here too many times.
Emergency rooms are busy, take a lot of time, and are expensive. But how do you know when to treat a fever at home or to seek emergency care.
I am going to share information that I wish I knew before having a child with an immune deficiency that frequently experiences high fevers with viral infections.
I am sharing a link to a great article: https://share.upmc.com/2019/06/children-with-fevers-when-to-worry/
To summarize and add some context:
There is nothing more concerning than having a sick child, not to mention one with a high fever. But what is a high fever? The threshold for needing medical attention differs based upon the child’s age and symptoms.
Everything you hear and read is that fevers especially once they reach a certain degree are concerning. What they don’t remind you is that fevers are the body’s natural response to an infection. A high fever does not necessarily mean something is wrong. It may mean the body is infected by a virus. Viruses can be nasty and create difference symptoms in different people. When you or your child has a fever the important thing to remember is to stop and review the facts. How high is the fever? Does ibuprofen (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory) bring the fever down at least one degree in one hour? What other symptoms accompany the fever?
My youngest started life with multiple ear infections. Every time he was sick, which was a lot because he was in daycare, he ended up with an ear infection. As time went on the infections got worse because the antibiotics worked less. As we awaited ear tubes, my son got another ear infection. This time the antibiotics were not working. This time he had a high fever. This is a perfect example of when to seek medical attention. Ibuprofen brought the fever down one degree (relief that medical treatment could be sought the next morning) but the ear pain meant seeing a doctor as soon as possible was necessary.
Although, he grew out of the ear problems, high fevers were something we were about to learn more about.
Later in life, my son began having immune deficiency issues. Certain viruses cause his immune system to work harder than others. Remember when I mentioned that the body’s natural response to infection is through a fever? We know when my son’s body is working harder, because his body temperature rises. In some instances, the fever is accompanied by mild symptoms, this is when we treat with anti-inflammatory medication, monitor symptoms and stay home. Symptoms we monitor for are pain, shortness of breath, irritability, or lethargy (see more detail below regarding these symptoms). We also take him for a medical exam after 3 days of a high fever regardless of symptoms. This ensures there is no underlying issue such as infection that needs treated (ear, eye, throat, etc.).
It is still uneasy having a child that spikes high fevers for long periods of time, but I now feel fueled with accurate knowledge to treat and monitor my child’s health. Through this experience, it became important for me to summarize and share what I have learned to help others.
Children under the age of 3 months that have a fever of 100.4° Fahrenheit or higher should be seen by a medical professional immediately.
Children 3 months and older that have a fever of 102.2° Fahrenheit (39° Celsius) or higher should be monitored closely and reported to your pediatrician. However, from experience, and many ER visits, you may be able to treat the fever at home. If you can get the fever to reduce by at least 1 degree by administering fever reducing medication and your child has no additional symptoms, you can treat and monitor the fever from home. While treating a fever at home, seek immediate medical attention in the event of any of the following:
- the fever increases to 104° Fahrenheit (40° C) or above and is no longer responsive to medication
- your child has additional symptoms such as pain, trouble breathing, vomiting, headaches, irritability, or lethargy
- pain- eye pain, neck pain, stiffness in the neck, abdominal pain
- irritability is if the child is not able to be consoled
- lethargy is more than fatigue. Your child will be limp and unresponsive.
- regardless of whether you visited the ER ensure to follow up with your pediatrician.
Regardless of whether you visited the ER, ensure to follow-up with your pediatrician. It is also important to pay attention to your instincts. If you feel something more is wrong, seek medical attention. Just remember if the fever lasts for 5 days or more without lowering in temperature, is accompanied by other symptoms, or your child refuses to each or drink it is important for your child to be evaluated by a medical professional.
Some additional helpful tips for reducing fever in addition to administering fever medication.
- Lukewarm showers and baths
- cool but not cold baths/showers help to reduce the body’s temperature
- cool compresses
- a cool washcloth can be applied to the child’s forehead
- reusable compresses can be kept in the fridge and layered under a towel or sheet and then applied to the child’s legs. (My child likes for me to put them under the sheets in bed and then he applies whatever body part feels comfortable to the cold compress. We like these. You can warm them or freeze them. Amazon.com: Reusable Ice Packs for Injuries Reusable | 11″ x 14.5″ – 2 Pack XL | Hot & Cold Pack | Large Ice Pack for Back Pain Relief, Flexible When Frozen | Cold Compress for Back, Knee, and Shoulder Injuries : Health & Household)
- cool liquids
- remember water is great
- Pedialyte or an electrolyte drink is also important. (We like SmartWater)
Life leads us all down a path. At some point that path leads to choosing a healthier lifestyle either for ourselves or for a close family member or friend. Click learn more below to find out how I chose to put mine and my family’s health and wellness first.