[vanaden]

I know my son is 2 I don't know if this belongs here. But he is so SICK! His temp was up a few hours ago to 104.4 rectally, 103.1 under the arm. He had a bath and a popsicle and he is drinking water and requesting it. But he hasn't eaten for 2 days! I'm so scared for him. Isn't a high fever dangerous or is that at a younger age? my kids have never had a temp that high before.
A friend's dd was just in the er for the same thing and they said "tylenol, motrin, we don't know what it is." Is it worth taking him though I'm already doing that? I don't know.

[vanaden]

oh it is down to 101 rectally, 100 under the arm. Just need prayers!

[deedee1231]

(((Hugs))) and prayers for you and your son. So sorry your little boy is not feeling well. I know it isn't very reassuring, but it sounds like you are doing all the right things for him at home. The doctor probably won't be able to do much more than that.

They usually say to take them to the dr if they have had a fever over 101 degrees for more than 3 days, if they are not able to keep down fluids, if they complain of ear or throat pain, or if they become lethargic. Otherwise give tylenol if fever is over 100 and push the fluids and encourage rest.

It is very encouraging that his fever has gone down, although it may spike during the night. My kids always do. Don't be alarmed, just have the tylenol at the ready along with a cold drink. I hope he is feeling better in the morning!

[DK615617]

I know fevers are so scary!!!!
How is he doing?
Our pedi says that fevers are good, body's way of fighting off the germ. But boy do they stress out the mama!!!!!
104 isn't that bad. ( I personally don't like it) But, my pedi says till it reaches 106 there is nothing to be worried about. (Although, I would freak out at 106!!! )
My mom always did ice baths to bring it down too. My 4 brothers and sisters would get seizures if their fevers spiked too quickly! (I luckily never did) So she would freak out over the first sign of a fever.
I hope he is feeling better!!!!!!!!! Hang in there.

[Samual]

Do not give medication that reduces fevers, otherwise he will become worse, the fever is a sign that the immune system is working, reduce the temperature and you reduce the immune system.

[kalhayd2]

Originally Posted by Samual

Do not give medication that reduces fevers, otherwise he will become worse, the fever is a sign that the immune system is working, reduce the temperature and you reduce the immune system.

I've NEVER heard that. In fact, just the opposite.

Keep doing what you're doing! Lots of prayers for your sweet little man.

[Samual]

Originally Posted by kalhayd2

I've NEVER heard that. In fact, just the opposite.

Keep doing what you're doing! Lots of prayers for your sweet little man.

Kinetic energy is needed for your immune system, obviously kinetic energy is produced by heat, the heat also stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies along with stimulation from the pathogen.
People living in warmer climates get better than those in colder climates due to the immune system being able to cope far better in warmer climates. Which is why if you are treated for an illness in hospital, unless you are red hot they will not give you anything to lower your temperature as it puts your health at more risk.

"Fever is an abnormally high increase of body temperature in response to pathogen invasion. Body temperature is regulated by a section of the brain called the hypothalamus . Normal temperature is set by the hypothalamus at 37°C (98.6°F). If pathogens should enter the body, then macrophages, which would be fighting the invaders, secret chemicals called pyrogens. These chemicals order the hypothalamus to raise the body temperature; therefore, the body works harder to meet the set temperature. This means that there will be an increase in cell division. Not only does an increase in temperature kill many bacteria that can't live in temperature over 37°C, but the immune cells divide and work faster to kill the pathogens."
From NHS Direct.

[deedee1231]

Originally Posted by Samual

Do not give medication that reduces fevers, otherwise he will become worse, the fever is a sign that the immune system is working, reduce the temperature and you reduce the immune system.

This is a matter of a lot of debate, but the general medical consensus seems to be that if the fever is over 101 you should give a fever reducer. If my kids have a fever of 103 or 104 and are up and running around the house like nothing is bothering them (yes, this has happened, quite a lot actually) I won't give them anything. On the other hand, if they have a fever that is making them feel miserable, laying around moaning and whatnot, I will give them a dose of tylenol or advil.

[twinzplus3]

Originally Posted by Samual

Do not give medication that reduces fevers, otherwise he will become worse, the fever is a sign that the immune system is working, reduce the temperature and you reduce the immune system.

This is only true with a "slight fever" which is generally less than 102. However, once it's over 102 you are generally advised to give something. I only do if my child is miserable which brings me to my next point: common sense is always a good thing. But there are children who are seizure prone and frankly, it makes no sense to me not to treat a fever if your child is miserable.

Vanaden, just so you know you can always treat a high fever with a motrin/tylenol combo to bring it down. What you do is give the right dosage for your child's age/weight of one. . .and then three hours later give the correct dosage for your child's age/weight of the other.

[vanaden]

yes my doc said fever over 102.5, give meds.

I took him to the ER this morning after his temp spiked this morning again to 103.3 under the arm. He has a slight ear infection. They did a chest x ray and ruled out pneumonia, so that's a relief. Other than that, I am already doing what he told me to do. Poor little man!