Fever

Fever is defined as an increase in body temperature. The most common cause of fever is from an infection caused by a virus or bacteria. A fever will not harm you or your child and is actually part of the body's natural defense mechanisms to fight off an infection.

Normal temperature is defined as 37C but actually varies depending on where you take the temperature and what time of day you take the temperature. There are different ways to measure temperature. One way is to place a glass or digital thermometer in your mouth (orally), or in your anus (rectally), or under your armpit (axillary). Another method is to use a specially designed infrared thermometer to measure the temperature in your ear (tympanically). A person has a fever if the temperature is higher than 38C by the oral, axillary or tympanic route. The rectal temperature must be 38.5C or higher to be considered a fever. The use of fever strips which measure the temperature of the forehead are not recommended.

Treating a fever cam be accomplished with or without medication. The most commonly used medication for treating a fever is acetaminophen. The dose of acetaminophen is 10 to 15mg/kg for children under 12 years of age, 325 mg for children 12 years or older, and 325 to 650 mg for adults. Acetaminophen is taken every four hours with a maximum dose of 65 mg/kg per 24 hours for children and 4000 mg per 24 hours for adults. Ibuprofen is another commonly used option for managing a fever. The dose of ibuprofen is 7.5 mg/kg for children, given every 6 to 8 hours and 200-400 mg every 4 hours for adults. The maximum dose is 40 mg/kg per 24 hours for children and 1200 mg per 24 hours for adults. Avoid giving ASA (Aspirin) products to children or teens to avoid risk of Reye's syndrome.

Other medication-free methods to help control a fever include changing into light clothing or removing extra blankets so heat can leave the body, sitting in a cool place, drinking a cool liquid, or taking a lukewarm bath or sponge bath and allowing the body to air dry. Everyone with a fever should remember to drink plenty of fluids. Treatments that should be avoided include sold water baths or rubbing the body with ice or alcohol. These methods may cause rapid cooling and excessive shivering which may actually raise body temperature. A physician should be consulted when a fever occurs in the following cases: children less than 6 months of age, elderly people, children who are unusually fussy or complaining of ear pain, throat pain, or pain when over 39C (oral/tympanic temperature), a fever that lasts longer that 48 to 72 hours, or an individual taking antibiotics for over 48 hours with no lessening of their fever.