Nearly all parents have experienced a time when their child woke up looking unusually flushed, feeling hotter than usual and feeling under the weather. These moments typically indicate the start of a challenging journey into a world filled with thermometers, lukewarm baths and restless nights.

Despite being a routine part of childhood, fevers can sometimes worry or frighten parents. At 219 Health Network, we believe having a thorough understanding of fevers can help parents feel more comfortable when their child is experiencing one. To that end, our pediatricians in Northwest Indiana provide insights to help parents handle these situations with confidence.

Should You be Scared?

When your child has a fever, it is normal to feel alarmed or even scared. But it is important to remember that fever is the body’s defense mechanism against infection. The increased body temperature makes the body a less hospitable environment for invading germs, giving the immune system a chance to fight back on its own.

However, this does not mean that all fevers should be ignored. A high or persistent fever can cause discomfort, and it can sometimes indicate a more serious underlying condition. It is important to monitor a child’s fever, understand when it is more than just a regular temperature spike and visit a pediatrician in Northwest Indiana when necessary.

When Should You Visit a Pediatrician?

Identifying when a fever requires medical intervention is vital. Generally, if your infant has a fever of 100.4°F or higher, you should seek immediate medical attention.

For older children, several factors come into play when determining the need for a doctor’s consultation. You’ll want to look for signs such as unusually prolonged sleepiness, irritability, refusal to eat or drink, skin rash or other worrying symptoms accompanying the fever. Also, a fever that does not improve after a few days, even with home care and fever-reducing medication, warrants a doctor’s visit.

How Can a Pediatrician Help?

Pediatricians specialize in all aspects of a child’s health. They are not just for check-ups and immunizations, but they also play a critical role in diagnosing and managing childhood illnesses, like fevers.

A pediatrician in Northwest Indiana can provide personalized guidance based on your child’s health history and current symptoms. They can determine whether the fever is due to a common viral infection or a more severe condition that may require immediate attention. They can also advise you on how to make your child more comfortable and guide you on the appropriate usage and dosage of fever-reducing medications.

Preventing Fevers

While we can’t always prevent fevers, there are steps we can take to strengthen a child’s immune system and reduce their susceptibility to infections. These include ensuring a balanced diet, ensuring adequate sleep, encouraging regular physical exercise and staying up to date with all recommended immunizations. During flu season or other times of widespread illness, teaching good hygiene practices, such as frequent and proper handwashing, can also help prevent sickness and subsequent fevers.

Looking for an Affordable Pediatrician in Northwest Indiana?

Dealing with a child’s fever can be a stressful experience, but remember, fever is a normal part of the body’s defense against illness. Understanding this can bring peace to your worried mind.

Has your child been dealing with a fever lately without much relief? If so, and if you’re ready to schedule an appointment with an affordable pediatrician in Northwest Indiana who can identify the root cause of the issue, 219 Health Network can help. Contact us today at 833-219-0001 to schedule an appointment with one of our pediatricians.