FEVER IN INFANTS AND CHILDREN

    Everyone with a baby should buy a rectal thermometer. The rectal thermometer may be lubricated with Vaseline and the tip should be gently inserted into the baby's rectum for three full minutes. If you do not know how to use and read a thermometer, please have the nurse or doctor show you. Normal rectal temperatures run from about 98.6 degrees to 100.4 degrees.

    Fever by itself is not harmful. Fever is usually an indictor of a specific viral illness, a cold for example, or a reaction to baby's shots, or a specific bacterial, infection such as an ear infection.

   The presence of a fever is not as important an indicator of illness as is how the child is acting. Lethargy (sleepiness, "just lying around", not playing), a weak cry, pale or ashen skin color, and an inability to get the baby to smile are important signs of serious illness.

    Infants younger than 3 months of age often do not show specific symptoms of illness and fever may be the only indication of a serious infection. For this reason the doctor should be called for a rectal temperature of 100 degrees or greater in this age group.

    Call the doctor for a rectal temperature of 102 degrees or higher, for any fever lasting longer than 48 hrs., or for an infant showing the nonspecific signs of illness (lethargy, etc.) as discussed previously.

    The common cold is due to different viruses and usually clears in about one week. There may be a nasal discharge, dry cough, mild irritability, slightly decreased appetite, loose stools and low grade fever. Tylenol may be given for fever, and a rubber bulb syringe may be used to clean your baby's nose. You should encourage the drinking of fluids to keep your baby well hydrated. If the fever persists for more than 2 days, there may be complications and you should call the doctor for advice.

1. Stand with your back to the light and hold the thermometer horizontally, at eye level.
2. Turn the thermometer slowly until the light catches the mercury column. The end of the mercury indicates the temperature.
3. Look between the numbers and lines to read the gauge. Note: If there has been a marked rise or fall in the child's temperature, check yourself by re-taking it. If your second reading confirms the first, notify the doctor at once.

    Rectal temperatures are about 1 degree greater than oral, and axillary temperatures are 1 degree less than oral temperatures. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is the best medication for temperatures and pain control. ASPIRIN SHOULD NEVER BE USED IN CHILDREN with fever because of its association with a disease called Reye's syndrome.

    If a dosage of Tylenol is not given on the bottle you may find the proper dosage for your child by multiplying 4.5 to 6.5 times your child's weight in pounds. This will give the amount of Tylenol in mg. Which can be given every four hours.

    If you have difficulty calculating the dosage, please call the office and we will help you.