What is considered a fever for kids?
Fever is a common symptom in children and can be a cause for concern for parents. Understanding what is considered a fever for kids is essential for early detection and appropriate management of this condition. A fever is defined as an increase in body temperature above the normal range. In children, the normal body temperature can vary slightly depending on age, time of day, and whether the child is active or at rest. However, there are general guidelines to help determine if a child has a fever.
Measuring a child’s temperature
To accurately assess whether a child has a fever, it is important to measure their temperature correctly. The most common methods of measuring a child’s temperature are using a digital thermometer under the tongue (oral), in the armpit (axillary), or rectally. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends using an oral or axillary thermometer for children over 4 months old, as rectal thermometers can be uncomfortable and may not be necessary.
Normal body temperature ranges
The normal body temperature for children varies by age. For newborns up to 3 months old, a normal temperature is typically around 97.9°F (36.6°C) to 100.4°F (38.0°C). For children aged 3 to 6 months, the normal range is 97.9°F (36.6°C) to 99.5°F (37.5°C). For children aged 6 to 12 months, the normal range is 97.9°F (36.6°C) to 100.4°F (38.0°C). For children aged 1 to 5 years, the normal range is 97.9°F (36.6°C) to 102.2°F (39.0°C). For children aged 6 to 11 years, the normal range is 97.9°F (36.6°C) to 104.9°F (40.5°C).
What is considered a fever for kids?
Based on these normal temperature ranges, a fever for kids can be defined as follows:
– For newborns up to 3 months old, a fever is considered to be a temperature of 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher.
– For children aged 3 to 6 months, a fever is considered to be a temperature of 101°F (38.3°C) or higher.
– For children aged 6 to 12 months, a fever is considered to be a temperature of 102°F (38.9°C) or higher.
– For children aged 1 to 5 years, a fever is considered to be a temperature of 103°F (39.4°C) or higher.
– For children aged 6 to 11 years, a fever is considered to be a temperature of 104°F (40.0°C) or higher.
When to seek medical attention
While a fever is often a sign of an underlying infection, it is not always a cause for immediate concern. However, there are certain situations where parents should seek medical attention for their child’s fever:
– If the child is younger than 3 months old and has a fever.
– If the child has a fever that lasts for more than 24 hours.
– If the child has a fever and is unable to drink fluids, is vomiting, or has a severe headache.
– If the child has a fever and is acting very sick, has difficulty breathing, or has a rash that does not fade when pressed on.
– If the child has a fever and has any signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, decreased urination, or sunken eyes.
In conclusion, understanding what is considered a fever for kids is crucial for parents to ensure the timely detection and management of this common symptom. By monitoring their child’s temperature and being aware of the signs and symptoms that warrant medical attention, parents can help keep their children healthy and safe.
