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When To Worry Parents

Parent Guide: Fever

What is fever?

Your child's temperature depends on where it is measured.

Method Temperature
equal or higher than
Armpit 37.3° C
Oral 37.5° C
Ear (tympanic) 38.0° C
Rectal 38.0° C

Fever:

  • Helps the body fight infection
  • Occurs with most respiratory tract infections
  • Can occur with both viral and bacterial infections

Treatment:

  • Give acetaminophen (Actimol®, Panadol®, Tempra®, Tylenol® or generic brands).
  • Do not give ASA (Aspirin®).
  • Keep child cool but do not allow your child to shiver.
  • Dress your child in lightweight clothing and keep room temperature about 20° C.
  • Offer cool fluids or popsicles to your child every hour when awake.
Tip: When fever is reduced in children with viral infections, they usually feel better. Children with bacterial infections still feel miserable even when their fever is brought down.

See the doctor if your child has a fever and:

  • Is less than six months of age
  • Fever lasts more than 48 hours and does not go down when acetaminophen is given
  • Fever lasts more than 3 days
  • Has a rash
  • Has diarrhea and vomiting

IT IS IMPORTANT TO KEEP THESE DRUGS LOCKED IN A CUPBOARD THAT IS CHILD-PROOF.
Strength of Medication Amount of Medication to Use for Child's Weight
3.0-3.9 kg
(6-8.5 lbs)		 4.0-5.4 kg
(8.5-11 lbs)		 5.5-7.9 kg
(12-17 lbs)		 8.0-10.9 kg
(17.5-24lbs)		 11-15.9 kg
(24-35 lbs)
Infant Drops
(80 mg in 1ml)		 0.5 ml 0.75 ml 1 ml 1.5 ml 2.0 ml
Regular Syrup
(80 mg in 1 tsp)		 ½ tsp ¾ tsp 1 tsp 1½ tsp 2 tsp
Extra Strength Syrup
(160 mg in 1 tsp)		 N/R* N/R* ½ tsp ¾ tsp 1 tsp
Children's Tablets
(80 mg tabs)		 N/R* N/R* 1 tablet 1½ tablets 2 tablets
Children's Extra Strength Tablets
(160 mg tabs)		 N/R* N/R* N/R* N/R* 1 tablet
For children over 15.9 kg (35 lbs) give according to age as directed on the medication bottle
*not recommended

Acetaminophen (Actimol®, Panadol®, Tempra®, Tylenol® or generic brands) is recommended to reduce fever and pain in children. Do not give aspirin products (acetylsalicylic acid, ASA, Aspirin®) as they can increase the risk of Reye's Syndrome, a serious condition that can damage the liver and brain.

 
When to Worry

Your child's behavior, rather than the fever, is more important for letting you know when to worry.

Go to the emergency department if your child has a fever and any of the following symptoms:
  • Trouble breathing not caused by a stuffy nose
  • Blue lips
  • Limp or unable to move
  • Hard to wake up, unusually quiet or unresponsive
  • Stiff neck
  • Seems confused
  • Seizure
 
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