When a child spikes a fever, his body is saying something out of the ordinary is occurring. A feverish child might have other symptoms such as sweating, shivering, muscle aches and weakness. Keep your feverish child hydrated. Offer frequent sips of diluted juice, water and broth throughout the day. And when your child's fever lasts longer than a few days, it's important to know when to get help.
Possible Causes
A fever is typically the result of a virus, reports MayoClinic.com. However, there are other causes of ongoing fever in children. A bacterial infection or inflammatory condition such as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis are a few possible causes. The best way to find out the cause of your child's ongoing fever is to visit the pediatrician. He can evaluate your child's symptoms and figure out why her body temperature is elevated.
Medications
Fever reducers aren't usually recommended for a low-grade fever, reports MayoClinic.com. These medications might prolong your child's illness. However, if your child spikes a fever of 102 degrees or higher, your doctor might recommend a medication such as acetaminophen. Always talk with your doctor before administering a fever reducer.
Home Remedies
You can reduce your child's fever by using a sponge bath, reports MayoClinic.com. Place your child in the bath filled with lukewarm water. Use either a washcloth or sponge to put water on your child's torso, arms and legs. This can cool the body and fight the fever. Your child can stay in the bath about five to 10 minutes. However, if she starts to shiver, have her get out of the bath. Muscle shaking produces body heat, causing the body temperature to rise. Dress your child in cool clothing after getting out of the bath. Your home temperature shouldn't be too cold or warm. Also, allow her to sleep with a light blanket or no blanket at all. Never use a warm comforter or electric blanket on a feverish child.
Red Flags
For newborns, call the doctor for a fever of 100.4 or higher no matter what the duration; for babies ages 3 months to 6 months, call the doctor for a fever of 101 degrees or higher. She will want to see your child, evaluate the symptoms and figure out what's causing the fever. After 6 months and until age 2, call the doctor after a fever lasting two days, recommends MayoClinic.com. If your child is 2 or older and his fever lasts longer than three days, it's time to consult the doctor. Also, if the fever reaches 102 degrees or higher for any child, it's time to consult the doctor.
