As a parent with a child under the weather, it is hard to discern what is serious and what isn't. When it comes to a fever, things can escalate quickly and result in febrile seizures and internal damage if not addressed properly. Dr. Jean Laurore from Pedsplus Pediatric Primary and Urgent Care has some great tips for knowing when to take your children and what is considered a serious fever.
What is considered a fever?
Fever is any temperature 100.4F (38C) or higher. Fever is usually a sign of infection, mostly caused by viral illness and sometimes by a bacterial illness. It can be also caused by medicines, chemicals, poisons or an environment that’s too hot. When your child has a fever, the way he/she looks and acts is more important than the actual fever.
If your child showed the following signs and symptoms, he/she should be immediately checked by a medical provider:
~ Appears very ill, drowsy, lethargic, very fussy and inconsolable.
~ Has stiff neck, neck pain, headaches, severe sore throat, severe ear pain, unexplained rash, repeating vomiting or diarrhea, cough, difficulty breathing.
~ Has certain conditions causing low immune system such as sickle cell disease, history of cancer, taking chronic steroid (14 days or more)
~ Has a seizure
~ Young infant 3 months old or younger.
If you suspect your child has a fever, you may give the child some Tylenol or Ibuprofen while on your way to a medical facility (call ahead to find out dosage, see a pharmacist or read the manufacturer's label for dosage information). Do not give Ibuprofen to an infant less than 6 months of age. DO NOT give aspirin to any infant or child unless your doctor prescribes it in some special situations. Aspirin has been linked to a serious disease that affects the liver and the brain.
As always, if you feel uncomfortable about the way your child is acting or suspect there is indication of a serious illness, immediate be seen by a medical professional. 
Dr. Jean Laurore is a board certified pediatrician, a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He is also a Certified American Red Cross CRP instructor and Neonatal Resuscitation Program instructor. He completed his pediatric residency training in 2008 at Brooklyn Hospital Center in Brooklyn, NY. He has been living in Fredericksburg with his wife and their 2 children since 2008.
Dr. Laurore worked at both Mary Washington Hospital and Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center as a pediatric hospitalist, he involved in taking care of hospitalized children and consulting on children seen in the Emergency Room at those hospitals. Since 2011, he has been working in the Emergency Department at Calvert Memorial Hospital seeing pediatric patients. Dr. Laurore is also the medical director of the pediatric hospitalist program and newborn nursery at MedStar St. Mary’s hospital.
Now, Dr. Laurore is taking care of children in Fredericksburg in the Urgent Care & Primary Care setting at Pedsplus. He is compassionate and dedicated, he treats his patients and their family with great respect. On a personal level, Dr. Laurore enjoys outdoor activities and vacationing with his family.
Pedsplus Pediatric Primary & Urgent Care is located at 2565 Cowan Blvd Fredericksburg, Virginia, VA 22401 near Mary Washington Hospital and Basilicos. They are open 7 days a week and have convenient hours for appointments, walk-in for urgent care. Follow them on Facebook for more information!
