Young children easily come down with respiratory infections, fever and chills. Because they are exposed to other children suffering from different illnesses and because their immune systems are still immature, they are more prone to developing mild illnesses with high temperatures. Some illnesses can be managed at home with your doctor’s advice while other illnesses must be seen and treated by the doctor.
About Fever and Chills
Your child may develop fever and chills at the beginning of an illness, such as flu or strep throat. She may feel chilled before she develops the fever–her muscles contract and relax rapidly as they work to increase heat. The chills she is feeling may also be a response to the fever that has already developed, according to MedlinePlus.
Because young children tend to develop higher fevers, they are more likely to complain of chills. If your baby has a fever, she is less likely to exhibit any obvious symptoms of chills. If she is younger than 6 months and develops a fever, it should be reported to your doctor, regardless of how ill she appears. If your child is 6 months to 1 year old and she develops a fever, contact your doctor unless you know what has caused her illness.
High Fever in Children
Any fever higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit is considered to be a high fever. This is your child’s body’s response to infection as it produces antibodies to the invading virus or bacteria. If you have been caring for your child for one to three days and his fever does not respond to home treatment, call your doctor. If the fever stays over 103 degrees Fahrenheit one to two hours after giving your child acetaminophen, call the doctor.
Illnesses with Cough, Fever and Chills
If your child has a fever over 102 degrees Fahrenheit, a runny nose and cough, she may have pneumonia. If she is feeling weak and breathing abnormally fast, call the doctor right away. Any cough symptoms that are accompanied by a dusky skin color, a whooping sound, wheezing noise, stridor--a musical sound when your child inhales--dehydration, irritability or weakness should be brought to your doctor’s attention. If you have a baby who is 3 months old or younger and has been coughing for more than a few hours, call the doctor.
Treating the Illness
If your child is uncomfortable, give him a pain reliever such as acetaminophen. Follow dosing instructions based on his weight and age. If he has a fever over 103 degrees Fahrenheit, a lukewarm bath may help cool him down.
Dress your child in light clothes and give him plenty of clear fluids. Keep the temperature in his room cool–about 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not bundle your child in blankets. This does not allow the fever to dissipate.
Treat your child’s cough by turning on the hot water in the bathroom. Allow the room to steam up and close the door. Allow the steam to help your child breathe more easily. Place a cool-mist humidifier in his room.
