Having a sick child is stressful for a parent. They want to help their child remain healthy, but it isn't always possible to get them back to health quickly. However, by understanding a fever in children, you can do your best for your child, possibly scheduling a visit to Children's Physicians, serving Palm Beach Gardens, FL, and the nearby regions, to see Dr. Lynda Bideau, Dr. John McRoberts, or Dr. Michael Steiner.

Purpose of a Fever

A fever isn't necessarily the enemy, though a high fever can lead to seizures and several other unpleasant issues. It's also dehydrating for your little one.

It serves a purpose, though, to help ward off invaders in your child's body. Your child's body temperature rises to kill any unwanted microbes within the body. 

Temperature and Degree of Sickness Aren't Related

How high your child's temperature rises doesn't relate to how sick they are. A child with a fever of 101.9 can be sicker than a fever of 104.7.

Therefore, when you take your child's temperature, you should look for signs that you need to administer a fever reducer or seek medical help to prevent complications. 

Some Fevers May Require Assistance

How high your child's fever is determines when treatment is necessary, and it varies by age. 

With that said, anything over 104 degrees Fahrenheit that isn't responding to a fever reducer is a cause to get to a pediatrician's office or urgent care, depending on the time and availability of somebody at our Palm Beach Gardens, FL, office.

For instance, if you have a child under three months old with a fever of 100.4 or higher, you'll want to contact us. Children 12 weeks or younger shouldn't have the same dosage of acetaminophen as an older infant, but we can educate you on the proper dosage. We may also be able to provide treatment for the underlying issue causing the fever.

If you've already tried an over-the-counter fever reducer in a child three to six months old and the fever is 102 or higher, you should schedule a visit. We can ease the fever and determine the cause.

If your child has a fever that has lasted a few days, it's worth scheduling a visit to get to the root of the problem.

A fever can benefit your child as they fight off an infection. But, sometimes, you'll need to schedule a visit with Dr. Bideau, Dr. McRoberts, or Dr. Steiner of Children's Physicians, serving Palm Beach Gardens, FL, and the general vicinity.

Call (561) 626-4000 to reach the Palm Beach Gardens, FL, office, (561) 743-9000 for Jupiter, FL, and (772) 219-4444 for Palm City, FL.