When your child is sick, it can be difficult to know what to do. When your child has a fever, it can be especially scary, because a fever may indicate an infection. It’s good to know what to do when your child has a fever, and whether you should bring your child in for a visit with the pediatrician.

In most cases, fever is easy to treat, and it usually doesn’t lead to a more serious condition. Fevers can come on due to exposure to a virus like a cold or the flu. However, fever is also a common indicator of a bacterial infection.

When your child has a fever, you can try a few easy remedies to help your child feel better. Remember to:

• Give your child infant or children’s Tylenol to reduce pain
• Give your child a sponge bath or apply cold washcloths to your child’s skin
• Have your child suck on popsicles

You should bring your child to see the pediatrician if:

• Your child is under four months old and has a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher
• Your child is over four months old and has a temperature of over 104 degrees
• Your child still has a fever after 2 to 3 days

You should also bring your child to visit the pediatrician if your child’s fever is accompanied by any of these signs or symptoms:

• A rash or bruising
• Shortness of breath
• Nonstop crying
• A stiff neck
• Seizures
• Pain while urinating
• Decreased urine output

A fever is a common health concern for children, and you can enjoy peace of mind, because you will know what to do when your child has a fever.

If you are in doubt about how to care for your child’s fever, your pediatrician can help. Just a simple phone call to your pediatrician can put your mind at ease. To find out more about caring for your child’s fever, and other pediatric medical questions, talk with an expert. Call your pediatrician today.