Fever Fears: What To Do When Your Child Has Fever

High temperature can be alarming for parents, especially for first-time parents. Hence, fever isn't something necessarily a sign that something serious is taking place and you should call a doctor right away.

Read through this section, so you won't rush your kid to a doctor right away when it's actually unnecessary.

Fevers aren't all that bad.

According to Charles Shubin, M.D., Director of Pediatrics at Mercy FamilyCare, fevers are nothing to fear because it is not a disease that requires treatment right away. Moreover, the expert said fevers are just body's natural response to infection.

What to do when your kid has a fever?

Dr. Shubin said the best thing a parent can do when the child has a fever is to make a child feel comfortable. The doctor further added that parents should encourage their children to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Likewise, parents should make sure their kids get enough sleep.

But when your child isn't sleeping well and irritable because of the fever, apply some herbal-infused cream, gel or rub on your child's neck and forehead. Just simply soak an ounce of catnip in the boiling water for 20 minutes, then strain. Once you're done draining, soak washcloths to freeze. Afterward, wipe your child's forehead and neck with the frozen cloth, according to Dorene Petersen, Dip.NT, Dip.Acu, RH (AHG), President and CEO of American College of Healthcare Sciences.

When to see a doctor?

Dr. Shubin said parents should monitor their kids if they have a fever, especially newborn babies. If the newborn infant has a temperature 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or greater, parents should rush the baby to a doctor right away. While for older kids, Dr.Shubin said parents can call their doctor to help them decide whether it's time for their child to be seen by a doctor.

Kids' fever is just normal and it only means that their body is responding to an illness. Nevertheless, if their illness is worsening visit a physician right away.