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Fever treatment: Quick guide to treating a fever
By Mayo Clinic staffA fever is a common sign of illness, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, fevers seem to play a key role in fighting infections. So should you treat a fever or let the fever run its course? Here's help making the call.
| Age | Temperature | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Infants | ||
| 0-3 months | 100.4 F (38 C) or higher taken rectally | Call the doctor, even if your child doesn't have any other signs or symptoms. |
| 3-6 months | Up to 102 F (38.9 C) taken rectally | Encourage your child to rest and drink plenty of fluids. Medication isn't needed. Call the doctor if your child seems unusually irritable, lethargic or uncomfortable. |
| 6-24 months | Above 102 F (38.9 C) taken rectally | Give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). If your child is age 6 months or older, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) is OK, too. Read the label carefully for proper dosage. Don't give aspirin to anyone age 18 years or younger. Call the doctor if the fever doesn't respond to the medication or lasts longer than one day. |
| Children | ||
| 2-17 years | Up to 102 F (38.9 C) taken rectally for children age 3 and younger, or taken orally for children older than 3 | Encourage your child to rest and drink plenty of fluids. Medication isn't needed. Call the doctor if your child seems unusually irritable or lethargic or complains of significant discomfort. |
| 2-17 years | Above 102 F (38.9 C) taken rectally for children age 3 and younger, or taken orally for children older than 3 | Give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others). Read the label carefully for proper dosage, and be careful not to give your child more than one medication containing acetaminophen, such as some cough and cold medicines. Don't give aspirin to anyone age 18 years or younger. Call the doctor if the fever doesn't respond to the medication or lasts longer than three days. |
| Adults | ||
| 18 and up | Up to 102 F (38.9 C) taken orally | Rest and drink plenty of fluids. Medication isn't needed. Call the doctor if the fever is accompanied by a severe headache, stiff neck, shortness of breath, or other unusual signs or symptoms. |
| 18 and up | Above 102 F (38.9 C) taken orally | If you're uncomfortable, take acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) or aspirin. Read the label carefully for proper dosage, and be careful not to take more than one medication containing acetaminophen, such as some cough and cold medicines. Call the doctor if the fever doesn't respond to the medication, is consistently 103 F (39.4 C) or higher, or lasts longer than three days. |
References
- Bobb B, et al. Fever and sweats. In: Walsh D, et al. Palliative medicine. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/171587449-4/0/2038/167.html?tocnode=57251154&fromURL=167.html. Accessed Dec. 16, 2011.
- Nield LS, et al. Fever. In: Kliegman RM, et al. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 19th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2011. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-6/0/1608/0.html. Accessed Dec. 14, 2011.
- Use caution with pain relievers. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/EmergencyPreparedness/BioterrorismandDrugPreparedness/ucm133425.htm. Accessed Dec. 14, 2011.
- Schmitt BD. Pediatric Telephone Protocols. 13th ed. Elk Grove Village, Ill.: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2011:1.
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