Fevers are a fact of life in childhood, but that doesn't mean that they're a walk in the park. When your little one is struggling with a fever, you want to do whatever you can to help them feel better. At Child & Adolescent Health Services serving Cohasset, MA, our providers and the rest of our care team are here to help your child feel their best.

Why Do Children Get Fevers?

Usually, a fever in a child is a sign that they're fighting off bacteria or viruses. A boost in body temperature supports your child's immune system as it works to get rid of pathogens, many of which struggle to survive at high temperatures.

Many children experience fevers when their body is fighting a cold, the flu, an ear infection, a urinary tract infection, and other illnesses. Sometimes, children can also experience a fever when they're teething or following an immunization.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Fevers

Often, fevers are nothing to worry about, as they're a sign that your child's body is working hard to get well. That being said, if your child is less than 3 months old and has a fever over 100.4°F, it's important to seek immediate care. If your child is older than three months, seek medical attention right away if their fever rises above 104°F. 

Helping Your Child Stay Comfortable With a Fever

If your child is comfortable and able to rest, you may not need to give them medicines like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) to help lower their fever.

To keep your child comfortable while they have a fever, try these tips: 

• Stay hydrated. Your child needs plenty of fluids as their body works to get well. Water, clear broth, and sports drinks can help support the healing process. 
• Rest. Encourage your child to enjoy their favorite relaxing activities, and limit their physical activity. 
• Cool down the house. Opening windows, running fans, or turning on the air conditioning until your child is comfortable can be a smart way to ease the discomfort of a fever. That being said, be careful not to overdo it. Making your home too cold can have the opposite effect, as shivering can raise your child's body temperature.

Child & Adolescent Health Services serving Cohasset, MA 

If you're searching for treatment for your child's fever in Cohasset, MA, we're glad that you found Child & Adolescent Health Services. Our team is here to help your child feel better fast. Reach out to us today at (781) 383-8380 to learn more about our practice and set up an appointment.