Definition:
Many people believe that any body temperature over 98.6° is considered a fever. However, this is not necessarily true. The rules are a little different when it comes to children as well.
For adults, a body temperature over 100° is usually considered a fever.
Children's body temperatures tend to fluctuate more than adults and they can handle higher temperatures. A temperature of over 101° is considered a fever for a child.
How to treat a fever:
- Medications - acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) or aspirin
- Cool bath (not ice)
- Cool compresses under arms
Important note: Aspirin should NEVER be given to a child under 20 years old because it may cause a deadly disease called Reye's syndrome.
