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Fever The body's average temperature when it is measured orally is 98.6°F (37°C), but it normally fluctuates during the day. Mildly increased temperature (100.4 to 101.3°F, or 38 to 38.5°C) can be caused by exercise, excessive clothing, a hot bath, or hot weather. Warm food or drink can also raise the oral temperature. If you suspect such an effect on the temperature of your child, take his temperature again in a half hour. What do we consider a fever? To detemine if your child has a fever, the following are measured temptures of various areas of the body. * Oral (Over 99.5°F or 37.5°C) * Under Arm / Armpit (over 99.0°F or 37.2°C) * Ear (over 100.4°F or 38°C) ** Ages over 6 months * Rectal (Over 100.4°F or 38.0°C) Why do we get a fever? Fever is the body's response to infections. Fever helps fight infections by turning on the body's immune system. The usual fevers (100 to 104°F, or 37.8 to 40°C), which all children get, are not harmful. Most are caused by viral illnesses; some are caused by bacterial illnesses. Teething does not cause fever. Most fevers with viral illnesses last for 2 to 3 days. How can I take care of my child? * Extra fluids and less clothing Encourage your child to drink extra fluids, but do not force him to drink. Popsicles and iced drinks are helpful. Body fluids are lost during fevers because of sweating. Bundling can be dangerous. Clothing should be kept to a minimum because most heat is lost through the skin. Do not bundle up your child; it will cause a higher fever. During the time your child feels cold or is shivering (the chills), give him a light blanket. If the fever is less than 102°F this is the only treatment needed. Fever medicines are not necessary. * Medicines to reduce fever Remember that fever is helping your child fight the infection. Use drugs only if the fever is over 102°F (39°C) and preferably only if your child is also uncomfortable. Two hours after they are given, these drugs will reduce the fever 2°F to 3°F (1°C to 2°C). Medicines do not bring the temperature down to normal unless the temperature was not very elevated before the medicine was given. Repeated dosages of the drugs will be necessary because the fever will go up and down until the illness runs its course. If your child is sleeping, don't awaken him for medicines. Acetaminophen: Children older than 3 months of age can be given acetaminophen (Tylenol). Give the correct dosage for your child's weight every 4 to 6 hours. Ibuprofen: Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) is similar to acetaminophen in its ability to lower fever. Its safety record is also similar. The FDA has approved it for infants over 6 months of age. One advantage ibuprofen has over acetaminophen is a longer lasting effect (6 to 8 hours instead of 4 to 6 hours). Children with special problems requiring a longer period of fever control may do better with ibuprofen. Give the correct dosage for your child's weight every 6 to 8 hours. CAUTION: The dropper that comes with one product should not be used with other brands. Avoid aspirin: Doctors recommend that children (through age 21 years) not take aspirin if they have any symptoms of a cold or viral infection, such as a fever, cough, or sore throat. Aspirin taken during a viral infection, such as chickenpox or flu, has been linked to a severe illness called Reye's syndrome. If you have teens, warn them to avoid aspirin. When should I call my child's health care provider? Call IMMEDIATELY if: * Your child is less than 3 months old. * The fever is over 105°F (40.6°C). * Your child looks or acts very sick. Call within 24 hours if: * Your child is 3 to 6 months old (unless the fever is due to a DTaP shot). * The fever is between 104°F and 105°F (40°C and 40.6°C). * Your child has had a fever more than 24 hours without an obvious cause or location of infection AND your child is less than 2 years old. * Your child has had a fever for more than 3 days. * The fever went away for over 24 hours and then returned. * You have other concerns or questions.