How should I treat my child’s fever?

Your child’s doctor will talk with you about specific care for your child.  In general, not all fevers need to be treated. Some reasons to treat a fever include if your child:

• Is not comfortable when the fever is high.
• Will not drink enough fluids when the fever is high.

• Give acetaminophen (Tylenol® or other less costly store brand). Follow the directions on the box carefully or ask your child’s doctor how much medicine to give.

        - This is often the only medicine a child with fever needs to feel better.

        - It may take 60 to 90 minutes for these medicines to work.

        - Do not give acetaminophen to babies under 3 months of age without a doctor’s order.

        - Do not give your child more than 5 doses of acetaminophen in a 24-hour period.

• If you give your child the correct dose of acetaminophen every four hours and he is still not comfortable, you may give him ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil® or other less costly store brand) every six hours instead. If you do this, stop giving him the acetaminophen.

        - Do not give ibuprofen to babies less than 6 months of age without a doctor’s order.

        - If your child has chickenpox, asthma, kidney problems or bleeding problems, ask your
        child’s doctor before giving ibuprofen.

        - Follow the directions on the box carefully or ask his doctor how much medicine to give.

• Do not give any aspirin.
• Check with your child’s doctor or pharmacist before giving acetaminophen or ibuprofen with other medicines. This includes over-the-counter medicines.
• Tell your child’s doctor if your child is taking any vitamins, herbal products or other supplements or home remedies.
• Dress your child very lightly. Do not bundle or cover with a blanket.
• Give him lots of cool liquids.