My sister called and my nephew is running 104 temp. What do we do?

Answer 1

Jeez, you're getting TERRIBLE answers.

A temperature under 106 will not cause brain damage. Promise. And children can run much higher temps than adults.

A high temperature is usually caused by a virus, and there's nothing to do for a virus but treat the symptoms and let it run its course. Going to the ER is the WRONG thing to do for two reasons: a) a fever under 105 can almost always be safely observed and treated at home until your child can see his doctor in the office; and b) it's not a medical emergency, so your nephew will sit in triage for hours and get bombarded by every germ in the ER.

(This is assuming that fever is basically his only symptom. If he seems altered, is lethargic, or dehydrated, or experiencing pain, vomiting, or diarrhea, call the pediatrician's office and ask the on-call doc for advice. I'm also assuming that he's older than 6 months.)

To treat fever, give MOTRIN. It works better to control fever and lasts longer than Tylenol. With a fever of 104, you could actually give a dose of Motrin and a dose of Tylenol together, and then alternate them every 3-4 hours (i.e. Motrin at 12, Tylenol at 3, Motrin at 6, etc.). While you're waiting for the drugs to work their magic, dress him in light layers so you can strip him down to almost nothing when he's hot, and add a light layer when he's chilled. You can also fill a bath with warm water (don't induce shivering--that only makes things worse) and wet his head and chest; his body will cool down through evaporation. And offer fluids of all kinds: soup, Jello, popsicles, water, watered-down soda or Gatorade, or Pediatlyte (if he'll drink it).

That's the routine. Know, too, that you don't have to bring a fever down to normal, and you shouldn't expect to. You just want to reduce it and make your nephew more comfortable. The fever is actually working to kill the virus.

Febrile seizures are really common, and they aren't medical emergencies either. Our oldest daughter runs high fevers at the drop of a hat, and she gets seizures. Sometimes she's very altered after, but that's usually a sign of dehydration, too. Our doc says we don't have to bring her to the ER anymore unless the seizure lasts more than 10 minutes or she's non-responsive after.)

Answer 2

I'm assuming your nephew is young, like 7 or under. In a child a 104 temp is not as high as it would be in an adult. Give him some Children's (or Infants, depending on his age) Motrin. This should help reduce the fever immediately. You could also give Children/Infants Tylenol, but Motrin is usually more effective, unless he has a tummy ache. If he has a tummy ache, stick to Tylenol. If these don't reduce the fever, put him in a lukewarm bath (not cold). That should help too. If that doesn't help, call the doctor.

Answer 3

take him into the er. What are his symptoms? I hope that everything is ok! My nephews done this a few times but they were told all he had was a viral infection and it was coming out through a fever. We went home and put him in a warm bath and his temp dropped a little and we gave him tylenol.

Answer 4

Take the child to the ER.

Depending on the age, you could give tylenol. If child is an infant, call doctor first for dosage instructions. THE BOX DOES NOT SUGGEST FOR 2 YEARS AND UNDER. The DOCTOR can give you a dosage amount though! Cool cloth on forehead and wrist and ankles, and neck, pulse points

Don't put child in water, could cause shock, the ER may do this, but they are trained for reactions.

Answer 5

How old is he? If he's under 5, I would take him straight to the ER. It's advisable to see the doctor if a small child's temperature gets to 102/103.

If he's older, then I'd give ibuprofin (Motrin), a cool, wet washcloth for his forehead, plenty of blankets, and set up a fan in his room to keep cool air circulating. Take him to the ER if the fever reaches 105.

Answer 6

If you CANT LEAVE, then put him in a tub or basin of cool water and give him both motrin and tylenol at the same time. This is what they did for my daughter with a temp of 105 at the hospital. If you CAN leave, GO NOW.

Answer 7

you need to call a doctor or take him to the ER....what the heck are you guys doing on the computer right now? Get in the car and go see a doctor!

Answer 8

I was always advised at 103 degrees and below give motrin, tylenol, whatever to get the fever down. Above 103 degrees go to the doctor.

Answer 9

She needs to take him into a walk-in clinic or, if they are not open, the ER. Sometimes it is easier and faster to get into see the doctor at the walk-in clinic. They can call the baby's doctor from either place. I LOVE my son's doctor. She gives parents her cell phone # so we can call her directly 24/7.

Answer 10

You go straight to the ER