Parents and caregivers often worry when a child develops a fever. Fortunately, several steps can be taken at home to reduce your child’s fever, but it is important to know when to see a pediatrician. Dr. Mary Ogunsanya, and the pediatric providers at Maryland Children Health Center in Glenn Dale & Oxon Hill, MD, treat fevers in kids of all ages.
Tips for Reducing Fevers in Children
Although it can be scary when your child has a fever, it is actually a sign that the body’s immune system is working correctly. Fevers help fight off infections but are also associated with chills, feeling cold, and other uncomfortable symptoms. There are several things you can try at home to reduce your child’s fever and its accompanying symptoms.
Tips for reducing fevers in children include:
- Apply a cool compress to the forehead
- Soaking in a bath of lukewarm water
- Wear lightweight clothing
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Rest
When To Call a Doctor
While there are several steps that can be taken at home to reduce your child’s fever, it is important to know when to call a doctor. You can always contact the pediatrician for guidance anytime you are uncertain about how to handle a fever. The skilled providers at our pediatric offices in Glenn Dale & Oxon Hill, MD, offer fever guidance and can help you know when to bring your child in for a fever.
Some general guidelines for when to bring your child to the doctor’s office for a fever include:
- Fevers that last for two days or more (even if they are mild)
- Temperature of 100.4°F or higher for newborns and infants under 3 months
- Temperature of 102-103°F or higher in children between 3 months and 1 year
- Temperature of 104°F or higher in children of any age
- The fever is accompanied by dehydration, a rash, vomiting, or diarrhea
Fevers are a sign that your child’s immune system is doing its job and fighting off germs, but there are some things you can do to keep the fever from getting too high. Speak to Dr. Ogunsanya if you have questions about your child’s fever by calling Maryland Children Health Center in Glenn Dale & Oxon Hill, MD. Call (301) 218-0398 for the Glenn Dale office, or (301) 567-1767 for our Oxon Hill location.