Quick Action Guide
🚨 CALL 911 IF:
- • Seizure, difficulty breathing, or unresponsive
- • Severe symptoms with fever
📞 CALL DOCTOR NOW IF:
- • Infant under 3 months with temp ≥100.4°F (38°C)
- • Any age with temp ≥104°F (40°C)
- • Fever with stiff neck, severe headache, or rash
- • Signs of dehydration
🏥 CALL DOCTOR TODAY IF:
- • Fever lasts more than 3 days
- • Child appears very ill
- • Fever comes and goes for more than 1 week
✅ MANAGE AT HOME IF:
- • Child over 3 months, fever under 104°F
- • Child is drinking fluids and acting relatively normal
- • No concerning symptoms
Home Treatment Steps
1. Give Fever-Reducing Medication (If Needed)
- • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) for age 2 months+
- • Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for age 6 months+
- • Dose by weight, not age
- • Never give aspirin to children
- • Wait 4-6 hours between acetaminophen doses
- • Wait 6-8 hours between ibuprofen doses
2. Keep Child Comfortable
- • Light, breathable clothing
- • Light blanket if needed
- • Room at comfortable temperature
- • Lukewarm bath if child wants one
3. Ensure Adequate Hydration
- • Offer fluids frequently
- • Water, breastmilk, formula, clear broths
- • Popsicles, ice chips
- • Electrolyte solutions if needed
4. Monitor Child's Condition
- • Check temperature periodically
- • Watch how child looks and acts
- • Monitor for worsening symptoms
- • Keep track of fluid intake and urination
5. Encourage Rest
- • Quiet activities
- • Let child sleep as needed
- • Keep home from school/daycare
- • Reduce stimulation
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer
This article provides general information and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician about fever management, especially for infants. When in doubt, call your doctor. Trust your parental instincts—if your child seems seriously ill, seek medical attention regardless of temperature.