Mom’s dread no phrase like they dread, “it’s that time of year again!” As soon as you hear that phrase, like some kind of sick curse, your kid gets sick. Come to think of it- is there a time of year that isn’t THAT time of year?
What’s your initial reaction when you realize your child is running a fever? Do you drop to your knees and ask the good Lord for mercy or immediately break out the hazmat suits for the other kids and begin a quarantine operation? Do you immediately call the pediatricians office and wait for them to call back?
Pour yourself a diet coke and relax, Mama. Normal body temperature is 98.6 degrees. For adults and children alike, that temperature fluctuates throughout the day. The lucky number for an actual fever is 100.4 degrees and up.
When not to worry
- Fevers that last less than five days -As long as your child’s behavior is pretty much normal-playing, eating, and drinking wise- you don’t need to stress. (It’s okay if they are tired, too!)
- Temperature up to 102.5 degrees – If you child is 3 months to 3 years fevers up to this temperature are a normal sign of fighting an illness.
- If your child recently got a shot- Low grade fevers (lasting fewer than 24 hours) are normal if your baby or child has received a shot.
When you call your pediatrician
- You have an infant younger than 3 months- A fever may be your baby’s only warning sign that they are fighting a serious illness
- Your child’s fever has lasted more than five days – Your child’s doctor may need to investigate the underlying causes further
- Your child’s fever is higher than 104 degrees – If your child has a fever of 104 degrees that doesn’t come down with the use to acetaminophen or ibuprofen call your pediatrician for any advice.
- Your child is not acting like themselves – Not playing, eating, or drinking like normal and being hard to rouse are cause for concern. Also, babies who aren’t wetting 3 diapers a day and older kids who aren’t using the bathroom 8-12 times per day are at risk of becoming dehydrated.
- Your child has recently been immunized and has a fever higher than 102 degrees of a fever more than 24 hours – Your pediatrician may want to check for an adverse side effect of the immunization that needs to be treated.
- You’re worried!! If you have questions about your child’s temperature or illness, don’t hesitate to call your pediatricians office just for peace of mind.
RARE but important things to keep in mind
Febrile Seizures
These are a scary side effect of fevers in 2 to 4 percent of all children under age 5. If your child has twitching movements or seeming like they are passing out:
- Put your child on their side
- Do NOT put anything inside your child’s mouth
- Call 911 if your child’s seizure lasts more than 5 minutes
- Call your pediatrician if your child’s seizure lasts less than 5 minutes
*tips were pulled from Cleveland Clinic Children’s
About Brittany:
Brittany was born and raised in Alabama. She is a Wife and Mama of two sweet babies- her son John is two years old and her daughter Annie is ten months old. She is pursuing her degree in Home and Family Studies with an emphasis on Child Development from BYU. She is looking forward to writing for Birmingham Mommy in preparation for graduation in the Fall of 2016.
