Treating high fevers

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Treating high fevers

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The two most common ways parents treat fevers are products such as, acetaminophen or Tylenol; ibuprofen or Motrin or Advil. In my estimation, both of these medications are equally effective to lower your child's fever they both have advantages and disadvantages. Tylenol, or acetaminophen, has to be administered every four hours. Motrin or Ibuprofen is administered every six to eight hours. That is particularly important if you have a child that is a poor medicine taker. Sometimes, the taste of the medicine is critical and that determines whether you will use acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Other ways we treat fever is to instruct the family to dress the child lightly and not to put on three or four layers of clothing. Finally, if the fever persists, we will use a tepid bath for 20 to 30 minutes and that helps to bring down the temperature. We specifically tell families not to use a cold bath. While it makes the child feel better, the don't actually lower your child's temperature.

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James Varga, MD

Pediatrician

James Varga began to practice medicine in 1977 after graduating from Bucknell University and New York Medical College with honors. James completed post doctoral studies in Child Development at UCLA. His wife Olga and he have two great daughters, Jenna and Maya.

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