Your child's fever

In fact, a recent survey found that many parents treat high temperatures more
aggressively than health care professionals do.

A fever below 100.4 F (38 C) can be beneficial to a child, but how can we know when a fever is beneficial and when it’s a sign of an emergency?

A fever is one of the body’s many adaptive functions to deal with foreign substances such as an infection. Viruses and bacteria live at body temperature, so when a child’s internal hermostat rises and creates a fever, white blood cells are activated and body temperature heats up to kill off potentially threatening bugs.

See table "Homeopathic fever remedies"

Normal body temperature in a child can vary. The average normal temperature values are described below.

When taking your child’s temperature, it’s important not to use a glass mercury thermometer. If it breaks, the mercury can cause serious harm to your child. Purchase a digital thermometer from a drugstore.

I recommend using the armpit method for taking a child’s temperature under the age of four.

Lowering your child’s fever
• Make sure to hydrate your child with plenty of water and fresh natural fruit juices. If breastfeeding, continue to do so.
• If your child has lost his or her appetite for a couple of days, do not force-feed your child. Loss of appetite is an adaptive response.
• Dress your child in loose, light clothing. Try to prevent shivering with clothing, light blankets, or warm baths.
• Bathing your child in lukewarm water can help to lower body temperature.
• Ensure your child gets plenty of sleep and rest.

When should I call my doctor?
Your heath care professional should be consulted
immediately if:
• A child under the age of three months develops a fever.
• Your child is convulsing or hallucinating.
• Your child’s fever has not changed in over three days.
• Your child is complaining of a stiff neck.
• Your child has repeated vomiting and/or diarrhea.
• Your child’s fever is 104 F (40 C) or over orally, or 102.9 F (39.4 C), under the armpit.
Remember, if your child does get a fever, do not panic—fever is one of the body’s built-in defence systems. If the fever does rise to a concerning temperature, consult your health care practitioner immediately.