Pediatric Fever Treatment Clinic Near Me in Memphis, TN

It’s important to understand the implications of a fever based on your child’s age. For infants less than three months old, a fever over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38°C) can be a sign of a serious infection and requires immediate medical evaluation.

Children between three and six months old with a fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3°C) that lasts for more than 24 hours, or a fever over 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.9°C) at any time, should be brought for evaluation.

Older children, over six months, with a fever over 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39.4°C) or a fever that persists for more than three days should also be seen by a doctor. Regardless of age, if the fever persists for more than five days, it’s crucial to bring your child in for an examination.

It’s also advised for parents to monitor for other symptoms such as behavior changes, feeding difficulties, signs of dehydration, persistent cough or congestion, vomiting or diarrhea, rashes, ear pain or discharge, and neck stiffness.

If your child has a fever accompanied by seizures, difficulty breathing, severe headache, neck stiffness or pain, sensitivity to light, vomiting green or yellow bile, or blood in the stool, it is imperative to seek immediate medical attention.

A fever is not a disease in itself, but a symptom that can sometimes indicate a more serious problem. By closely monitoring your child’s symptoms and consulting with a healthcare provider when needed, you can ensure the best care for your child’s well-being.

In children, a fever is identified when a rectal temperature exceeds 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). For infants up to 3 months old, this temperature threshold is considered a fever. However, in toddlers and young children, a rectal temperature of 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.9 degrees Celsius) or higher is usually indicative of a fever.

While a fever can be alarming, it is not usually a cause for concern unless it comes with other symptoms such as a high fever over 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius), a fever lasting more than 48 hours, or a fever accompanied by symptoms such as cough, sore throat, rash, or diarrhea. Fever in a child under 3 months of age or fever accompanied by lethargy, confusion, or seizures is particularly concerning and requires immediate medical attention.

To manage a pediatric fever, we suggest ensuring the child drinks plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, dress them in light, loose clothing, and use a cool washcloth or sponge bath to help lower their temperature. We advise against giving your child aspirin or ibuprofen unless directed by a doctor, as these medications can be harmful to children under 6 months of age.

• For infants under three months old, a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher merits immediate medical attention. Given their immature immune system, such infants are more susceptible to severe infections. Similarly, in children between three months and three years old, a high fever especially if it persists for more than a day, warrants a visit to our clinic.

• For children older than three years, a persistently high fever that lasts for more than three days should be evaluated.

• If your child’s fever is making them uncomfortable or they are not drinking fluids or urinating as much as usual, it may be time to schedule an appointment with us.

• If your child has a fever that is not improving, lasts for more than 5 days, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, call our office for advice.

• For a fever above 104 degrees Fahrenheit, severe headache, stiff neck, or vomiting, unresponsiveness or seizures, or trouble breathing or turning blue, seek immediate medical care.

Several methods can be used to reduce your child’s fever. These include keeping your child well-hydrated, maintaining a comfortable environment, lukewarm baths, showers, or sponge baths, and the use of over-the-counter medications.

The use of aspirin in children under 19 years of age is advised against due to potential serious side effects. If your child is younger than 3 months and has a fever, you should seek medical attention immediately. Additionally, if the fever persists for more than 3 days or is accompanied by severe symptoms, we urge you to seek immediate medical assistance at All Better Pediatrics.

Fever management is crucial, but identifying and treating the underlying cause of the fever is equally important. That’s why at All Better Pediatrics, we provide comprehensive pediatric care that prioritizes your child’s overall health. Always follow the advice of our experts for the best treatment options for your child.

To learn more about how to safely reduce a child’s fever, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Tamara Folz, please visit our website. For more information, contact us. We serve patients from Memphis TN, Germantown TN, Bartlett TN, Cordova TN, Collierville TN, Oakville TN, and Lenow TN.