A fever is the body's way of fighting off an infection. Raising the body temperature overheats and kills some infections, increases inflammation and activates white blood cells. A fever almost always indicates some kind of illness, and a child with recurring fevers should see his pediatrician.
Measuring Temperature
Although most people know that the average human body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, temperature readings vary substantially depending on the method used to take them. If your child has no other symptoms, you might be misreading his temperature. Purchase a new thermometer to ensure accuracy, then take your child's temperature. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that normal oral temperature is 98.6 degrees, but rectal and ear temperatures are typically one degree higher. Axillary temperature --- temperature under the arm --- is one degree lower than oral temperature.
Defining a Fever
Parents should note that, while the average body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, their child's temperature might be slightly different. Some children have higher or lower body temperatures. Take your child's temperature when she's feeling fine to get an idea of what her average temperature is. Temperatures deviate slightly during the day, with low body temperatures occurring in the morning and high temperatures occurring after activity, according to pediatrician William Sears. Most pediatricians consider a fever to be any temperature above 100 degrees or so. A temperature of 99.2, then, is not normally cause for concern.
Fevers and Exercise
If you take your child's temperature after he has been exercising or playing, you may not get an accurate reading. The body temperature may rise a degree or two as a result of strenuous activity. This is not a fever and is not cause for concern.
Common Fever Causes
Fevers are caused by the body's natural immune response. Bacterial and viral infections are the most common causes of fevers. If your child does not have symptoms of an illness, however, a recurring fever may indicate allergies, a chronic illness or immune system malfunctions. Any child who exhibits a fever for more than a day should see her pediatrician.
References
- "Biology: Life on Earth with Physiology"; Gerald Audesirk, et al.; 2010
- "Caring For Your Baby and Young Child"; American Academy of Pediatrics; 2009
- "Health, Safety and Nutrition for the Young Child"; Lynn R. Marotz; 2011
- "The Portable Pediatrician"; William Sears, et al.; 2011
