Your Health Now: Fever in children

FORT MYERS, Fla.- When a child is ill, parents often feel helpless, especially with very young children who are unable to communicate and tell us how they feel. One of the most common concerns is fever. It’s important to remember fever is a symptom of an underlying infection, not a diagnosis itself. Fevers usually are not serious. Dr. Brian Schultz, a pediatric emergency department physician with Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, stopped by the studio to help us better understand fever, and when we should seek medical care for children.

Seek medical attention if fever is accompanied by:

• Severe listlessness that persists despite treating the fever
• Problems breathing
• Unusual or concerning rash, especially if it resembles “bruises”
• Inability to tolerate oral liquids or other concerns for dehydration
• Persistent symptoms that do not improve after five days
• Unexplained headache, neck stiffness or seizure activity

Whenever in doubt, seek medical attention!