Chills and fever are often the first signs that a child has an infection. Young children commonly get high fever and chills from minor illnesses like colds and influenza, or the flu. A fever is present when a child has an oral temperature of 100.4 F or more, or a rectal reading of 99.5 F or more. Chills and fever can usually be treated at home, but a doctor visit may be necessary.
Causes
Common respiratory infections like colds and flu, or influenza, typically cause the abrupt onset of chills and fever. Ongoing fever can persist up to five days and even longer in some cases. Cough, runny nose, body aches, sore throat, tiredness, vomiting, nausea and diarrhea may also develop. Meningitis, pneumonia, strep throat and other viral and bacterial infections can all cause chills and fever.
Recommendations
Non-aspirin pain-relieving tablets or liquids such as acetaminophen are recommended for babies 6 months or younger. Both acetaminophen and ibuprofen are generally safe for children older than 6 months. However, do not medicate your child without his doctor's approval.
Always follow the dosage directions on the label. Aspirin should never be given to children, because it has been linked to a rare but very serious condition known as Reye's syndrome. Reye's syndrome affects the brain and liver, and it can be fatal.
Home Remedies
Rubbing a wet washcloth or towel over your child's body in a tub of lukewarm water for several minutes may help lower a stubborn high fever that doesn't respond to fever medication and make your child more comfortable. Continuously adding warm water can prevent the shivers.
Helping your sick child drink plenty of fluids, including water, juice and soup, can help keep him well hydrated. Rest is also important. Chills and fever associated with the flu usually improve in about a week. Let your doctor know if your child isn't responding to home care..
When to Call Your Doctor
Notify your doctor if an infant 6 months or younger has an ongoing fever, even if it's mild.
A fever lasting longer than 24 hours in a child younger than 2 or a fever that persists for 72 hours in a child over age 2 should be reported to your health care provider. Antibiotic medications may be prescribed to fight a bacterial infection, but they won't treat viral infections like the common cold.
References
- HealthyChildren.org; Caring for a Child with a Viral Infection; December 2010
- KidsHealth.org: What to Do If You Get the Flu
- Intelihealth; Protecting Your Kids From Colds and Flu; Henry H. Bernstein, D.O.; August 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Fever First Aid; January 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Fever Treatment: Quick Guide to Treating a Fever; January 2010
- MedlinePlus; Chills; January 2011
