How To Know if Your Child's Fever Needs Medical Attention

Fever is a beneficial and natural, although sometimes intimidating, function of the immune system in response to a potential threat.  When a viral or bacterial invader is detected, an immunological defense system kicks in whose sole purpose is to neutralize and expel the invader.

One theory is that bacteria and viruses require certain optimum conditions to reproduce and survive, and high temperatures may inhibit their growth and vitality.  This could explain the most common cause of fever.  One intricate function of the immune system is to raise the body’s core temperature of 98.6 degrees to a level required to disarm and kill off a bacterial or viral enemy.

It is thought that immune systems mature and become more sophisticated with age.  A fever response in a child may be even more common because his immune system is less experienced and capable than that of an adult.  In the interest of building a strong immune system and neutralizing a potential threat, fever in a child is not necessarily bad.

Determining a course of action for a child with a fever requires an assessment of his overall condition.  Age, additional symptoms, activity and comfort level, rate of hydration, appetite, and appearance are all factors to take into consideration.

Any child under six weeks of age with a fever needs medical attention.  Up until six months of age, a child with a fever should be followed closely, and attempts should be made to determine the root cause of the fever.  After six months, however, treatment can follow more in keeping with the symptoms being exhibited.

In addition to the fever, is the child active, or lethargic?  Is he eating and drinking normally, or vomiting and showing signs of diarrhea?  Does he have a rash?  Does it hurt to swallow?  Does he have an earache?  Many of these symptoms appear normally with most routine childhood illnesses.

Attentive parents are often the best judges of what symptoms are abnormal or extreme in their own child.  If, in assessing your child’s condition, you are uncomfortable with his appearance or his discomfort level at any time, it is time to seek medical attention.  A call to your doctor can provide you with an assessment of your child’s symptoms, and give you some peace of mind.

It is important to remember that fever in a well-hydrated child, in and of itself, is not dangerous.  Fevers are merely an indication that an infection process is going on.  Some high fevers of over 106 degrees can be harmful, but are not generally caused by infections.  Even febrile seizures that result from a rapid rise in temperature in a child under 6 years of age, although frightening, pose no danger to young children.