To reduce a fever of 104°F in a child, follow these expert recommendations:
- Medications: Give acetaminophen (paracetamol) or ibuprofen in the correct dose for the child's age. These medicines help lower the fever and relieve discomfort. Avoid aspirin as it is linked to serious illness in children
- Hydration: Offer plenty of fluids like water, clear soups, or oral rehydration solutions to prevent dehydration, which is common with fever
- Clothing and Environment: Dress the child in lightweight, breathable clothing and keep the room at a moderate temperature. Avoid heavy blankets or over-bundling, which can raise body temperature further
- Comfort Measures: Use tepid (lukewarm) sponge baths to help cool the skin, but do not use cold baths or rubbing alcohol, as these can cause shivering and raise the fever
- Rest: Ensure the child gets plenty of rest to help the body fight the infection
- Monitoring: Check the child's temperature regularly but focus on their overall comfort and behavior rather than just the number on the thermometer
- When to Seek Medical Care: Call a doctor if the child is younger than 3 months with a fever of 100.4°F or higher, if the fever lasts more than 3 days, if the child appears very ill, has seizures, rash, difficulty breathing, dehydration signs, or other concerning symptoms
These steps will help safely reduce a high fever and keep the child comfortable while the underlying cause resolves.
