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Fever Control

Fever is a higher than normal body temperature. It can be caused by:

  • Infections
  • Immunizations
  • Exercise
  • Overdressing

    Fever will not harm your child. The main reason to treat fever is to make your child more comfortable. It is not necessary to wake a child from sleep to treat a fever. His or her rest is more important than giving medicine.

    When your child's skin feels warm or he or she acts sick, you should use a thermometer to check for fever. A fever is a temperature of:

    1. 100ºF or more under the tongue.
    2. 100.4ºF or more in the rectum (100ºF or more in infants less than one month of age)

    Be sure to use the right type of thermometer for the place where you take the temperature. Learn how to use and read thermometers the right way.

    What can you do if your child has a fever?

    1. Use acetaminophen (Tylenol, Tempra, or Panadol) for fever. Be sure to give these medicines in the right amount for your child's age and weight.
    2. Give your child fluids.
    3. If your child has a temperature higher than 104ºF, bathe him for 20 minutes in room temperature water. Do not use alcohol or cold water.
    4. Dress your child lightly so heat can be lost from the skin.
    5. Do not overheat the room.
    6. Call or see your child's doctor if your child:
    7. has fever that lasts more than 2 days.
    8. has temperature that stays above 102ºF after giving medicine (it takes 45-60 minutes for fever medicine to work).
    9. develops a rash.
    10. looks sick or develops symptoms that worry you.
    11. is irritable, confused, fussy, or very sleepy.
    12. cries more than usual.
    13. has trouble breathing or has a stiff neck.
    14. has a weak cry or weak suck.

    Acetaminophen Dosage for Fever Control
    Age
    Weight
    Drops
    (80mg=0.8cc)
    Liquids
    (80mg=1/2 tsp)
    Chewable Tabs.
    (80mg=1 tab)
    0-3 mo. Consult your clinic or physician right away.
    3-4 mo. 6-11 lbs.
    .4cc
    0
    0
    4-11 mo. 12-17 lbs.
    .8cc
    1/2 tsp.
    1
    12-23 mo. 18-23 lbs.
    1.2cc
    3/4 tsp.
    1-1/2
    2-3 yr. 24-35 lbs.
    1.6cc
    1 tsp.
    2
    4-5 yr. 36-47 lbs.
    2.4cc
    1-1/2 tsp.
    3
    6-8 yr. 48-59 lbs.
    3.2cc
    2 tsp.
    4
    9-10 yr. 60-71 lbs.
    4.0cc
    2-1/2 tsp.
    5
    11-12 yr. 72-95 lbs.
    -----
    3 tsp.
    6
    Please note: Different brands have different concentrations - please read the label carefully.

    • Information and links found on the UT Medical Group, Inc. web site are neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency call your healthcare provider immediately.