Is it a Fever?

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IS IT A FEVER?

When your child is sick they may have a fever. If you think your child has a fever, use a thermometer. Your child has a fever if their temperature is above the number listed here:

Method & Normal Temperature

Rectum

38°C (100.4°F)

Mouth

37.5°C (99.5°F)

Armpit

37.3°C (99.1°F)

Ear

38°C (100.4°F)

How to take a temperature:

Use one thermometer for rectal and one for taking oraltemperaturesDo not use glass or mercury thermometers, use digital orplastic thermometers insteadForehead thermometers are not as accurate as othermethods for taking temperatures

For more information on how to correctly takea temperature, visit www.caringforkids.cps.ca

Who to contact if your child has a fever:

Babies younger than six months old should see a doctor when they have a fever

Call your health care provider if your baby is older than six months and the fever does not go away after 72 hours(three days), or your baby has a fever combined with a rash or any other signs of illness that worry you

Talk to a Registered Nurse, at Telehealth Ontario 1-866-797-0000 (TTY: 1-866-797-0007); available 24 hours a day,seven days a week

In an emergency situation, call 9-1-1

What to do if your child has a fever:

Babies younger than six months old should see a doctor when they have a fever If your child is older than six months, then give more to drink (such as breast milk or water) Take off extra clothing and blankets, leave enough to avoid shivering check your child's temperature often

What NOT to do if your child has a fever:

Do not give medication unless recommended by your health care provider

Do not give Aspirin or Acetylsalicylic Acid (ASA) to a child or teenager with a fever

Do not use alcohol rubs or baths and sponging with water to lower a child's fever

Other signs your child may be sick:

Acting differently (tired, weak, sleepy, loss of appetite, fussy, or a lot of crying)

A runny nose

Coughing

Vomiting

Rash

Difficulty breathing

Diarrhea

Change in skin colour (pale or looks yellow)

Resources:

Is it an Emergency? Call 9-1-1 or go to your local hospital

Need a Family Doctor? Call Health Care Connect 1-800-445-1822 www.ontario.ca/page/findfamily-doctor-or-nursepractitioner

Want to speak with a Registered Nurse? Call Telehealth Ontario 1-866-797-0000 (TTY: 1-866-797-0007)