Fever In Children, When To Go To an Omaha Kids Urgent Care Clinic

Fever is a common symptom associated with illness, particularly in children.  Although a fever is the body’s natural response to fighting off viral and bacterial infections, it commonly causes concern to parents and many questions in regard to what to do. When should you visit a kid’s urgent care clinic in Omaha, NE if your child has a fever? Keep reading to learn more!

Fever In Children – When To Go To a Kids Urgent Care Clinic in Omaha

What is a normal temperature?

A normal temperature is about 98.6°F (37°C) when taken orally (in your child’s mouth) and 99.6°F (37.5°C) when taken rectally (in your child’s bottom). Many medical professionals define a fever as an oral temperature above 99.5°F (37.5°C) or a rectal temperature above 100.4°F (38°C).

How should I take my child’s temperature?

The most accurate measurement of temperature is rectally, but in a child older than 3 months of age it is acceptable to take it orally or within the ear (unless your doctor directs otherwise). Regarding thermometer selection, digital thermometers work well and accurately.

Can I give my child aspirin to lower his or her fever?

No. In rare cases, aspirin can cause Reye’s syndrome in children. Reye’s syndrome is a serious illness that can cause a variety of symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, mental status changes, fatigue, and in severe cases can lead to possible death. It is recommended that parents should not give aspirin to children younger than 18 years of age.

What else can I do to help my child feel better?

• May administer Tylenol (or Ibuprofen over the age of 1 year) for fever symptoms. Dose as appropriate for your child’s age and weight.
• Give your child plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Water, broth soups, popsicles and flavored gelatin are good choices as well to help with hydration.
• Make sure your child gets plenty of rest.
• Keep the room temperature within a normal range. Although your child may feel cold or warm depending on temperature fluctuations, avoid trying to compensate the room temperature in response to this.
• Dress your child in light cotton pajamas. Overdressing can trap body heat and cause your child’s temperature to rise.

When To Go To a Children’s Urgent Care Clinic in Omaha?

Although many minor illnesses and fevers may come and go with conservative treatments such as rest and fluids, there are some instances when your child may need to follow up with a medical provider.

• Call your child’s doctor if your child…
  • is under 3 months old and has a fever over 100F. These little ones are particularly vulnerable to side effects and dehydration with fever symptoms. It is important to check with his or her doctor as they may want to see your child for a visit.
  • between 3 and 6 months with a fever of 101F.
• Seek emergency care if your child…
  • a fever over 105F.
  • experienced a seizure associated with fever symptoms
  • has a fever along with a stiff neck, headache, severe pain, shortness of breath, severe lethargy, difficulty swallowing, compromised immunity, and other severe symptoms.

When in doubt, call your child’s doctor/medical provider or bring your child to one of our four Urgent Care Omaha locations near you to be further evaluated.

Urgent Care Omaha Clinics in Omaha and Bellevue, NE | Children’s Urgent Care Omaha

Our staff works to provide prompt, personal, and professional care for all of our patients. We try to make sure everyone gets the attention they need in as quick a time as possible. Urgent Care Network of Omaha has three locations in the Omaha metropolitan area. Our three clinics are:

• Rockbrook Urgent Care
• Crossroads Urgent Care
• Bellevue Urgent Care 

Our staff is here every day of the week to assist with your urgent care needs. You probably won’t need urgent care today, but when you do need medical attention, count on the Urgent Care Network of Omaha clinic near you to provide quality care and convenience.

Disclaimer
The information contained on this webpage is for educational purposes as well as to provide general information and general understanding of the pertinent medical issue only, not to provide a specific diagnosis. This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. By using this blog/web site you understand there is no doctor patient relationship between you and the blog/web site publisher. The information included on this site should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from a licensed medical professional in your state. Neither Urgent Care Network, its subsidiaries, affiliates, assignees or successors in interest, nor any other party assume liability for loss or damage due to reliance on content of this blog/web site. If you are experiencing a severe medical issue, you should seek emergency assistance immediately.