When Should You Use Medication for Fevers in Children?

When your child has a fever, you run to get medicine - but is it really necessary?

According to a national poll from the University of Michigan, one in three parents will give fever-reducing medication for spiked temperatures below 100.4 degrees, which isn't recommended.

According to Emily Wisniewski, M.D., a board certified pediatrician with Mercy Family Care Physicians in Baltimore, it's important to note that the body gets a fever in order to fight off a virus or bacteria. If a child gets a fever of 100.4 or above, first check their behavior.

"If you have a child who has a low-grade temperature or just a little bit over 100, 101, you could consider letting them ride it out if they're happy, running around, that's totally fine. But if your child is completely miserable, then give them medicine," Dr. Wisniewski said.

Children under 2 months are not allowed any fever medicine, so they must go straight to the emergency room.

If the child is between 2 and 6 months, they are only allowed Tylenol.

If a child is over six months, there are multiple fever-reducing medications from which to choose, like ibuprofen, Tylenol or Motrin.

View Mercy pediatrician Dr. Emily Wisniewski's interview regarding treating children's fevers.