Have you heard of the term fever phobia? Fevers can be scary for parents, but they are not necessarily a bad thing! In fact, a fever is the body’s reaction to fighting off an infection. There are more important things to monitor than just the number on the thermometer because the number really doesn’t tell us how sick the child is. So, don’t let the number alone worry you! Below I’m going to share some advice on helping your kiddos when they have a fever; for more comprehensive information on fevers and illnesses, check out my complete Mastering Medical Emergencies At Home Course. Remember, working WITH the fever, and not against it, can help your child heal more quickly.
What Is a Fever:
In children, a fever is when the body temperature is 100.4 or higher
Fevers help fight infection and illness in two major ways:
1. Fevers stop the microbes of bacteria or viruses from reproducing and spreading, by killing them with heat.
2. Fevers turn on the body's immune system, helping produce the white blood cells needed to fight off infection.
Use the Fever, Especially in the First 24-28 Hours:
Fevers turn up the heat to fight infection-causing germs; thus, avoiding medication in the first 24-48 hours, and letting the fever run its course, can greatly reduce the length and severity of your child's illness.
How to Test a Child’s Temperature:
On the forehead (temporal artery method) – my personal preference
In the bum (rectal method) – most accurate, but not recommended without proper education
Under tongue (oral method)
In the ear (tympanic method)
Under the armpit (axillary method)
Reassuring Signs When Your Child Has a Fever:
Still interested in playing; alert and interactive, smiles at you
Has normal skin color
As temperature comes down, child looks well
Drinking enough fluids to stay hydrated
Has viral symptoms (such as cough, congestion, diarrhea)
Signs that the Child Requires Medical Care:
Infants < 3 months old who have a temperature >100.4
Dehydration (cracked lips, dry mouth, sunken eyes, no urine or wet diapers for 6-8 hours)
Persistent fever for 5-7 days
No viral symptoms (such as cough, congestion, diarrhea) after 3 days of fever
Lethargy (difficulty waking up/not moving)
Skin color changes
Difficulty breathing
Alteration in child’s mental status
Severe bruising on parts of the body
Abdominal pain in the lower right part of the abdomen
Painful urination
Fevers that don’t come down even after treated with the correct dose of Ibuprofen
OR, Anytime your motherly instinct tells you to seek medical care
At-Home Remedies:
REST: Rest proves the most powerful method to recover from illness. In fact, being low on sleep can cause you to become sick because a lack of sleep suppresses the immune system. Let your kiddo rest all day if needed!
HYDRATE: Drink lots of WATER! Coconut water and cucumber juice also aid fevers. When fighting a fever, kids may not have an appetite, and that’s okay. When the body is using energy to fight illness, it doesn’t want to use the energy to digest food. When my children have fevers, they generally do not eat much at all, and that’s fine -- just drink!
VITAMINS: When immune systems are down, they need extra essential vitamins to aid with healing. To treat illnesses with fevers, I like to use: Echinacea, Elderberry, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Zinc, and Colloidal Silver.
EPSOM SALT BATHS: These provide the body with magnesium and hydration, while drawing out toxins. Mix 2 cups of epsom salt in a lukewarm bath (avoid cold baths with fevers, it actually makes it worse) and let the child soak for 10 minutes.
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR: This older remedy helps “draw out” the fever. Soak washcloths in a mixture of 1 cup ACV to 2 cups of water and place on your child’s forehead or around their feet.
LIGHT CLOTHING: Avoid heavy blankets and thick clothing when your child has a fever or chills; layers make it more difficult for your child’s temperature to naturally come down.
ANTIPYRETICS (fever reducing medications): Ibuprofen can be given every 6 hours. Talk with your doctor about correct dosing to make sure you can adequately help your child.
Watching your kiddo have a fever can be nerve-wracking; but remember, the fever is actually a good sign that his or her body is doing what it can to fight off the infection! Enjoy the extra snuggles, and as always, follow that mama intuition! For more comprehensive information on fevers and illnesses, check out my complete Mastering Medical Emergencies At Home Course.
You got this mama!!
