MOUNTAIN VIEW FAMILY PRACTICE
741 NE 6th St.
GRANTS PASS, OR 97526
(503) 471-2701


PARENTS INSTRUCTION FOR FEVER CONTROL

*Fevers are mother natures way of helping the body to fight off infection.  Fevers will not cause any damage to a child unless it is higher than 104*F.  A fever will often be in response to a viral infection and will resolve spontaneously without antibiotics or other medication.

*Pay more attention to your child's behavior than the thermometer reading.

*A child doesn't have a fever until his oral temperature is at least 100*F or his rectal temperature is at least 101*F.

*If your child's temperature is 102*F (rectally) or less keep the child
 in a cool room (70*) and lightly dressed.  Give lots of cool clear
 liquids (popsicles are ok).  Take your child's temp every four hours.

*If the temperature is more than 102* give Tylenol or other brand of acetaminophen every 4 hours.  Follow dosage chart for age and weight. DO NOT GIVE CHILDREN ASPIRIN FOR FEVERS. Ibuprofen is available for fever control and can be given every 8 hours. Ibuprofen can cause stomach irritation and is best avoided in a child that has an upset stomach.

*If the temperature stays elevated despite Tylenol, sit your child in 2 inches of luke warm water and sponge bathe for 30 minutes, even if he shivers or cries.  Take the temperature 30 minutes following this.  If it is still more than 103* call the Dr.

*You should call the doctor when your child is feverish and:
   *is two months old or younger
   *the fever is greater than 105*
   *or his oral temp. exceeds 102* for more than 24 hours
   *the child has a seizure or stiff neck or purple spots on the skin
   *the child has a history of convulsions
   *the child is crying uncontrollably or is irritable
   *the child is difficult to awaken or seems confused or delirious
   *the fever persists for more than three days and you haven't already consulted a
      physician
   *or complains of bellyache, earache, or pain on urination
   *or is vomiting, having diarrhea, wheezing or having difficulty breathing.
   *the child has recently (within 3 days) had a DPT shot and has a temperature more
      than 102*.

*Always shake down a manual the thermometer to at least 96* before taking a temperature. There is no need to do this with a Digital Thermometer.

*Children under five should have their temperature taken rectally (ear thermometers are OK bit not as accurate): lubricate the thermometer, insert it gently into the rectum about 1 in., and hold for two to three minutes.

*Children over five years of age should have their temperature taken orally; tell them not to bite down but to hold the thermometer under the tongue for two to three minutes.

*Take your time reading the thermometer;  the temperature level won't
 change while you're reading it.

*Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen can be given alone or alternated.