At BeeHome Pediatrics, we know that when your little honeybee isn’t feeling well, it can be a buzzkill for the whole family. Fevers are one of those pesky things that can send even the calmest parent into a whirlwind of worry. But don’t fret! We’ve got the answers to help you figure out when it’s time to call in the experts (that’s us!) and when it’s okay to just snuggle up with your little one and ride it out.
What’s a Fever Anyway?
A fever is the body’s natural defense mechanism, like a little “buzz” that tells you something’s going on. It’s usually a sign that the body is fighting an infection. For kids, a fever typically means their body temperature is over 100.4°F. It can be a scary sight, but often, it’s just the body doing its job!
When to Bee Concerned
Not every fever is a reason to panic, but there are certain times when you should definitely give us a call at BeeHome Pediatrics:
- Fever in babies under 3 months old – This is an emergency. A fever in newborns can be a sign of a serious infection, so don’t wait to get in touch with us right away.
- Fever lasting longer than 3 days – If your child’s fever keeps buzzing on past a few days, it might be time to have us check it out to make sure nothing more serious is going on.
- High fever (above 104°F) – If your child’s fever is climbing high, that’s when we recommend getting them checked out. We’ll help make sure everything is okay and get the fever under control.
- Difficulty breathing, severe headache, or rash – If your little bee is having trouble breathing, complaining of a very painful headache, or developing a rash, call us immediately for guidance.
- Persistent fussiness or lethargy – When fever is accompanied by unusual drowsiness or excessive irritability that doesn’t seem to ease with comfort, it’s time for us to help investigate further.
How to Help Your Bee at Home
While you’re waiting for your consultation, there are a few simple things you can do to keep your little one comfortable:
- Keep them hydrated – Fluids are essential to help their body fight off the infection and stay strong.
- Dress them in lightweight clothing – Overdressing can cause the fever to spike, so keep things comfy and cool.
- Offer fever-reducing medicine – Consult us on the right dosage of children’s fever medicine like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help keep things in check.
- Keep them rested – Let them sleep it off so their body can focus on healing.
When to Buzz Us
If you’ve got any concerns or your bee’s fever doesn’t seem to be improving, don’t hesitate to call us at BeeHome Pediatrics. We’re always here to ensure your little one’s health is buzzing along just fine. We’ll help guide you through the next steps and give you peace of mind.
Bee calm, we’re here to help! Reach out to us at 435-513-PEDS or visit us at BeeHome Pediatrics. We can’t wait to help your little honeybee get back to buzzing happily again!