Fevers in children can be unsettling, but they’re also a sign that the immune system is actively working to fight off infection. As a parent, knowing what to do and when to act is essential. Here, we’ll provide an age-based guide to handling fevers, including medication recommendations, and clarify Fulton County, Georgia’s policy on when children can safely return to school after a fever.
- 1. Infants (0–3 Months)
– When to Worry: For infants under 3 months, any rectal temperature over 100.4°F (38°C) is considered a medical emergency. Call your pediatrician immediately if your baby has a fever.
– Medication: At this age, do not administer fever-reducing medications like Tylenol or Motrin unless advised by a pediatrician.
- 2. Babies (3–12 Months)
– When to Worry: In this age group, if a fever exceeds 102°F (38.9°C) or lasts more than 24 hours, contact your pediatrician.
– Medication: You can give Tylenol (acetaminophen) to help reduce fever. Follow dosage guidelines on the label or provided by your pediatrician based on your baby’s weight. Avoid Motrin (ibuprofen) until they’re at least 6 months old.
– Monitoring: If your baby seems uncomfortable, has a rash, or has a high fever, contact your pediatrician even if the fever lasts less than 24 hours.
- 3. Toddlers and Young Children (1–3 Years)
– When to Worry: Fevers up to 103°F (39.4°C) can often be managed at home. However, if the fever is persistent, doesn’t respond to medication, or is accompanied by symptoms like lethargy or rash, call your pediatrician.
– Medication: At this age, you can use both Tylenol and Motrin to reduce fever and discomfort. For fevers that persist, alternating between Tylenol and Motrin every 3–4 hours can be effective. Start with Tylenol, wait three hours, then use Motrin if the fever persists.
– Switching Between Tylenol and Motrin: If the fever remains stubborn, switching between Tylenol and Motrin every 3–4 hours can be helpful but requires careful attention to timing. Always follow weight-based dosing instructions.
- 4. Children (4–12 Years)
– When to Worry: Children’s fevers are generally not a cause for concern until they exceed 104°F (40°C). Contact a healthcare provider if the fever is high, persistent, or accompanied by symptoms like dehydration, headache, or abdominal pain.
– Medication: Tylenol and Motrin can both be used safely at this age, based on weight and with appropriate dosing intervals. Alternating the two every 3–4 hours can help manage higher fevers.
– Hydration: Make sure your child stays hydrated to avoid complications from dehydration that can arise with fever.
- 5. Teenagers (13+ Years)
– When to Worry: Fevers in teens are generally handled the same as in adults. Seek medical advice if the fever exceeds 104°F (40°C) or doesn’t subside with medication after 3 days.
– Medication: Teenagers can take Tylenol or Motrin at standard doses for their weight and age. Alternating between Tylenol and Motrin can help control high fevers.
– Self-Monitoring: Encourage teenagers to monitor their symptoms closely and stay hydrated.
When to Use Tylenol vs. Motrin
– Tylenol (acetaminophen) is generally recommended first because it’s gentler on the stomach, especially for younger children. It can be given every 4–6 hours.
– Motrin (ibuprofen) is better suited for reducing inflammation and tends to last longer. It can be given every 6–8 hours and is suitable for children aged 6 months and up.
– Switching Safely: When alternating, start with Tylenol and wait three hours before administering Motrin if needed. This rotation helps reduce the risk of over-medication and provides longer-lasting fever relief.
Returning to School After a Fever in Fulton County, Georgia
In Fulton County, a child should be fever-free for at least **24 hours without the aid of fever-reducing medications** before returning to school. This policy helps prevent the spread of infections within classrooms, ensuring other students’ safety. Additionally, if your child had symptoms like a cough or runny nose, make sure they are manageable and do not pose a distraction in a classroom setting.
Other Tips for Managing Fevers
– Hydration: Keep your child well-hydrated with water, breast milk, formula, or electrolyte solutions.
– Light Clothing: Dress your child in lightweight clothing to avoid overheating, and keep the room temperature comfortable.
– Rest: Encourage rest and quiet activities. Fever naturally makes children feel tired, so let them rest as much as possible.
When your child has a fever, monitoring their comfort level and energy is just as important as the number on the thermometer. Most fevers are manageable and resolve on their own with the help of supportive care. However, for any concerns or high fevers that persist, don’t hesitate to contact our practice for guidance or an appointment.
In addition to managing fevers, we recommend the flu shot as a valuable preventive measure for children. The flu vaccine significantly reduces the risk of flu-related illness, which can bring on high fevers and other uncomfortable symptoms. By getting vaccinated, your child not only protects themselves but also helps prevent the spread of the flu within schools and the community.
Our office offers flu vaccinations during flu season – including a convenient Saturday Flu Clinic. Call our office to schedule an appointment. 404-252-4611