Fever in Kids and Babies – When It’s Serious!

Infectious Diseases

Fever in Kids – Really That Scary?

Throughout the year,the most common thing we see in the emergency department is fever in toddlers and babies.

Doctor Dina Health Advice for Kids - fever in kidsSo is fever in kids scary? Parents are terrified of fever. High fever makes kids look awful. They are lethargic, panting, their hearts race and they are incoherent. They look like they are dying. But once restored to the normal temperature for children, they tend to look a lot better.

Parents are often under the misguided belief that fever causes seizures. See ‘febrile seizures’ for more truth on this. In brief, many children have febrile seizures, but only some are predisposed and you cannot prevent these seizures from happening.

Fevers usually don’t indicate anything serious. Generally speaking, they are present only as a sign of a viral illness. The height of the fever is not a good indicator of the type of infection. A viral infection can cause a 40 degree fever and a bacterial one can cause a 38 degree fever.

Facts About Fever

Fever occurs when the body’s internal ‘thermostat’ rises above normal. This thermostat is located in the hypothalamus in the brain. The hypothalamus will ‘reset’ the body to a higher temperature when it is responding to illness or infection. It may be a way for the body to fight viruses and bacteria.

Causes of Fever

In children there are a few common causes of fever:

•    Infection – The vast majority of fevers in kids are from viral or bacterial infection.

•    Overdressing – This is common in newborns, when they are bundled too tightly. If your newborn has an elevated temperature, ensure you unbundle your baby and retake the temperature.

•     Immunizations- Certain vaccinations can cause fever.

Less commonly, fever can be present in children postoperatively, or in response to serious illness like cancer or rheumatologic problems.

Doctor Dina Health Advice for Kids - fever in kids

When Is A Fever Serious?

•    Fever in babies less than 3 months of age – This age group must be seen immediately if they have a fever. Newborns have weak immune systems and even a minor fever can indicate a dangerous infection.

•    Immunocompromised children – Children with cancer or on chemotherapy, using immunosuppressing medications (e.g. prednisone or methotrexate), or with sickle cell disease

•     Persistent fever for 5 or more days

•     High fever that does not respond to fever medication

We are less concerned if your child is drinking well, voiding well, playing and active, smiling, has normal skin color and looks well when the temperature comes down. Remember, during a high fever kids look awful. One trick is to identify whether the child looks better when no longer febrile.

 

What temperature is a fever?

Rectal temperature: > 38 degrees (100.4?F)

Oral temperature: >38 degrees (100.4?F)

Axillary (arm pit): >37.5 degrees (99.5?F)

Tympanic (ear) temperature: >37.5 degrees (99.5?F)

The most accurate by far is a rectal temperature, which the Canadian Pediatric Society and American Academy of Pediatrics recommends we use on all kids less than 2!

Read More On How To Reduce A Fever

Doctor Dina Health Advice for Kids - fever in kids

Dr. Dina Kulik, MD, FRCPC, PEM

Written By: Dr. Dina Kulik, MD, FRCPC, PEM

Dina is a wife, mother of 4, and adrenaline junky. She loves to share children’s health information from her professional and personal experience. More About Dr Dina.

You might also enjoy

Symptoms of a Bladder Infection in Kids

Urinary tract infections are prevalent in kids — especially if you have an infant in diapers or an older child that holds in their urine for more extended periods (like in the classroom or during extracurricular activities). This is especially true for a constipated toddler who is less able to communicate the issue.

Causes of Sore Throat in Kids Including Viral Pharyngitis and Strep Throat

Causes of Sore Throat in Kids Including Viral Pharyngitis and Strep Throat

Is your kid not eating and drinking? What can be the possible reason? Perhaps your child has a sore throat, viral pharyngitis, or strep throat. Sore throat is medically known as “pharyngitis. This is the inflammation of the pharynx. Usually, we see viral pharyngitis or sore throat caused by viral infections. Other times we see pharyngitis as a result of a bacterial infection like strep throat.

Stomach Flu Treatment in Kids – What to Know and Do

Stomach Flu Treatment in Kids – What to Know and Do

Stomach Flu in children – or viral gastroenteritis – can be unsettling and something that all parents dread. However, it generally just requires hydration to best combat the illness. If your child is not eating, it can be ok as long as they are drinking plenty of fluids.

Dr. Dina Kulik - Subscribe to my Blog
Dr Dina Kulik - Kids Health blog

The general information provided on the Website is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Do NOT use this Website for medical emergencies.

If you have a medical emergency, call a physician or qualified healthcare provider, or CALL 911 immediately. Under no circumstances should you attempt self-treatment based on anything you have seen or read on this Website. Always seek the advice of your physician or other licensed and qualified health provider in your jurisdiction concerning any questions you may have regarding any information obtained from this Website and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or to someone else. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website.

Success! Check Your Inbox

Success! Check Your Inbox

Success! Check Your Inbox

COVID Toolbox

Success! Check Your Inbox

Dr Dina Kulik - Kids Health blog

.

Success! Thanks for Subscribing!

Dr Dina Kulik - Kids Health blog

.

Success! Thanks for Subscribing!

Dr Dina Kulik - Kids Health - Constipation Management

Success! Check Your Inbox