How to Keep a Fever Down

Fever is a symptom—a sign that your child's body is fighting off an infection. Most fevers are caused by common childhood illnesses like colds, flu, ear infections, bronchitis, and tonsillitis.

Treating a fever is important, because if your child's temperature is too high, he'll be too uncomfortable to eat, drink, or sleep, and that makes it harder for him to get better. Using Children's TYLENOL® will help lower a fever and make your child more comfortable while she gets better.

Temperature readings are different from different parts of the body (rectum, ear, mouth). Your child has a fever if her temperature is above:

• Rectal 100.4° F (38.0° C)
• Oral 99.5° F (37.5° C)
• Axillary (armpit) 98.6° F (37.0° C)
• Tympanic (ear) 100.0° F (37.8° C)

You should monitor your child's temperature, appearance, and behavior periodically—keep an eye out for signs of a more serious illness—until she seems to be back to normal.

Keeping Your Child Comfortable with a Fever:

• If shivering, keep your child warm until the shivering stops.
• If not shivering, you can remove your child's warm clothes and encourage her to drink plenty of fluids.
• Keep your child rested, quiet, and comfortable in a cool room.
• Place a cool washcloth on your child's forehead or sponge her with tepid water. Make sure it's not cold—and stop if your child starts to shiver.
• Never use rubbing alcohol to cool your child's skin—the vapors are toxic and can be absorbed through the skin.

Fever-Lowering Medicine for Children:
When used as directed, Children's TYLENOL® provides safe and effective relief of children's fever symptoms.
The medicine should start to work in about 30 to 60 minutes. Use only as directed and follow the package instructions. If you have questions about medication for your child, ask your pediatrician or nurse.