From the Guidelines
A fever in a 5-year-old child is typically considered to be a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, as defined by the most recent and highest quality study 1.
Normal Body Temperature Range
The normal body temperature range for a child is generally considered to be between 97.7°F (36.5°C) and 99.5°F (37.5°C), but a fever is typically defined as a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher 1.
Key Considerations
Some key considerations when evaluating a febrile child include:
- The child's overall appearance and behavior
- The presence of any localizing signs or symptoms
- The child's immunization status
- The child's ability to stay hydrated and comfortable
Management of Fever
For children with fever, treatment at home with acetaminophen (Tylenol) at a dose of 10-15 mg per kg of body weight every 4-6 hours, or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) at 5-10 mg per kg every 6-8 hours, can be effective in reducing fever and relieving discomfort 1.
When to Seek Medical Attention
It is essential to seek medical attention if the fever reaches 102.2°F (39°C) or higher, persists for more than three days, or if the child appears unusually lethargic, irritable, or has other concerning symptoms like difficulty breathing, rash, or severe headache 1.
Importance of Monitoring
Close monitoring of the child's condition and regular follow-up with a healthcare provider can help ensure the best possible outcome and prevent potential complications.
Definition of Fever
The definition of fever as a rectal temperature greater than 38°C (>100.4°F) is widely accepted and used in clinical practice 1.
From the Research
Normal Body Temperature Range for a 5-year-old Child with Fever
The normal body temperature range for a child can vary, but according to the provided studies, a fever is typically defined as:
- An oral body temperature of ≥38.8 degrees C 2
- A rectal temperature of ≥39 degrees C 2
- A temperature of ≥38.5 degrees C 3, 4
Fever Treatment and Management
The provided studies discuss the treatment and management of fever in children, including:
- The use of antipyretic medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen 2, 3, 5, 4
- The effectiveness of these medications in reducing fever 2, 3, 5, 4
- The safety of these medications in children 2, 3, 5, 4
Key Findings
Some key findings from the studies include:
- Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are effective antipyretic agents in children with a history of febrile seizures 4
- Ibuprofen may be more effective than acetaminophen in reducing fever in some cases 4
- Alternating ibuprofen and acetaminophen may be a superior antipyretic regimen than ibuprofen mono-therapy 5
- The American Academy of Pediatrics defines a simple febrile seizure as a generalized seizure with a brief duration of <15 minutes 6