How long do you let a fever go for?

[Michelle71]

as a rule of thumb once a temp gets to 39 its straight to the dr or hospital as once babies get close to 40 there is a chance of fitting.

panadol is good, but masks alot of things and will last longer the more doses she has.

there has been alot of bugs going around with babies lately, my DD has foot hand and mouth and nothing shows up till after the high temps runny poo and vomiting then they get better andbam blisters and rash.
its great being a parent lol..

This is not quite true. The height of the fever is not the issue, it is the rate of change that can cause convulsion / fitting in those children who are sensitive. Not all babies will have febrile convulsions with high fevers (or rapidly changing ones) but a family history can make you more susceptible. The sensitive and still developing brain is unable to manage the rapid temperature change and they tend to grow out of it.

Paracetamol has a definitive half life and does not have a cumulative effect. It will not have a greater effect with additional doses. Long term use can cause liver damage so it is important to only use when required.

A fever for longer than 48 hours should be checked out for a cause and a fever at any time when you are worried should too. UTI's can be a problem in this age group too so I would suggest getting Jaz checked.

[Rachel]

Hi Leasha,

your daughter sounds like my daughter recently! Here is the info from the Royal Children's hospital in melbourne on how to treat a fever and what to do. Sounds like you are doing all the right things. Hope it resolves soon and hope this may help.

FEVER IN CHILDREN
'Fever is when the temperature of the body rises to above 38?C. A normal temperature range for a child is usually up to 38?C.
Fever is a sign of infection in the body. Fever is often caused by a virus and sometimes by bacteria. Viral infections are far more common and do not need antibiotics. Antibiotics do not cure viruses. Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics.
A high fever does not necessarily mean your child has a serious illness. Fever itself is not harmful until it reaches 42.0?.
There is no advantage to lowering your child's fever except for comfort.
Treat your child by making them more comfortable; give clear fluids (eg. water, diluted fruit juice) and paracetamol if the fever is making your child miserable.
Fever is a way the body fights infection, and your child's temperature will return to normal when the infection has completely gone.


See your doctor if your child has the following symptoms with their fever.
Complaining of a stiff neck or light hurting their eyes.
Vomiting and refusing to drink much.
Rash.
More sleepy than usual.
Problems with breathing.
If your child is in pain.
Also see your doctor if:
Your child is under three months and has a fever.
Your child's fever is above 40?C.

Treat your child at home by making them more comfortable.

Dress your child in enough clothing so that they are not shivering.
Tepid sponging (sponging with slightly warm water) and fanning children with fevers is not recommended.
Give your child frequent small drinks of clear fluid (eg. water, diluted fruit juice or cordial). If your child is less than six months old give extra cooled boiled water, breast feeds, or bottles.
Do not worry if your child refuses to eat at this time.
Watch your child for signs that their illness is getting worse.
About paracetamol
Paracetamol is also known as Panadol, Tempra, Dymadon and Tylenol.
If your child seems well and is happy, there is no need to treat a fever with paracetamol.
If the fever is above 38.5?C and your child is miserable or has other symptoms such as a sore throat, they may be given paracetamol. Follow the correct dose on the medicine instructions.
Panadol may not make the fever go away but the aid is to make the child feel better.
Paracetamol is a common ingredient in a number of medicines for illnesses such as colds and flu. Make sure that when giving paracetamol for fever that your child has not had one of these cold and flu medicines in the last 4 hours.
Paracetamol can be given every four hours as directed on the bottle. No more than four doses should be given in each 24 hours. Do not give for more than 2 days without seeing your doctor.

Also take them to the dr if they:
- look more sick than before
- have not improved in 48 hours

Febrile convulsions
A few children can have convulsions ('a fit') when they have a fever. This may happen if your child?s temperature goes up suddenly. Sometimes a convulsion happens when parents don't actually know their child has a fever. Febrile convulsions are not common and do not usually cause any long term health effects. (it's not what the temperature is but how quickly it gets there - just thought i'd add this as there was a few references to febrile convulsions given).