Fevers can be scary symptoms for parents because they could signify a huge range of possible illnesses. They can be particularly concerning during this period of COVID-19 because they could point to a highly problematic sickness. By learning more about the causes of fevers and potential fever treatments, you can feel more confident in knowing when to keep your child home and when to take him to the doctor for treatment.
What Are Fevers?
Although you almost certainly know that a fever is a higher-than-normal body temperature, you may not know the specifics of when a fever is diagnosed. Normal body temperature is defined as 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit or 37 degrees Celsius. However, normal body temperature actually ranges from 97 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit. A fever is technically defined as any body temperature over 100.4 degrees.
Causes of Fevers
A temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher can indicate an acute infection that the body is trying to fight off. Many scientists believe that the body naturally raises its internal temperature to make surroundings less hospitable for a host of germs.
Treatment for Fevers
If your child develops a fever, you should consider treating it or talking to your child’s pediatrician if his temperature is over 102 degrees. However, any temperature of 100.4 or higher in infants younger than three months old should be seen as requiring urgent care.
Get All Your Questions Answered at Kids 1st Pediatrics
At Kids 1st Pediatrics, we specialize in caring for ill children of all ages. If you are concerned about your child’s fever or have questions about if or how you should treat his fever at home, give our office a call today.