1. Childhood Skin Problems Slideshow
2. Childhood Illnesses You Should Know Slideshow
3. Slideshow: Cold and Flu - Treating Your Child's Cold or Fever

Medical Author:

Robert Ferry Jr., MD

Robert Ferry Jr., MD

Robert Ferry Jr., MD, is a U.S. board-certified Pediatric Endocrinologist. After taking his baccalaureate degree from Yale College, receiving his doctoral degree and residency training in pediatrics at University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA), he completed fellowship training in pediatric endocrinology at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Your doctor may or may not be able to tell you the exact cause of your child's fever.

• Viral infections of the respiratory system are the most common cause of fever. Antibiotics do not cure or help with viral infections and increase the chance of drug reactions and potentially other problems.



• If your doctor diagnoses a bacterial infection, your child will be started on antibiotics.



• Urinary tract infections, ear infections, throat infections, sinus infections, skin infections, gastrointestinal infections, and pneumonia may be treated with antibiotics at home.



• Your child may receive oral antibiotics, a shot, or both.


• Children suspected to have bacterial meningitis are always admitted to the hospital.


• Additionally, your doctor may recommend giving acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) for fever.



• Dehydration may be treated by giving oral fluids or intravenous (IV) fluids.



• If a child is vomiting, a drug to control nausea may be given by injection or by rectal suppository.



• After a period of time, oral fluids will be attempted.


• If your child's condition improves after reducing the fever, treating dehydration, and serious bacterial infections have been ruled out, the doctor will, more than likely, discharge your child from the emergency clinic for further care and monitoring at home.

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