In some cases, your child may not require any treatment/medications beyond careful observation and fluids to prevent dehydration. We will usually say to “treat the cold, not the fever”. If there is an underlying infection, allowing the fever to run its course may actually help by strengthening your child’s immune system.

If fever is making your child uncomfortable, you can use acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help subside your child’s temperature. (Ibuprofen should not be given to babies under 6 months or for children experiencing extreme dehydration and persistent vomiting.) Tylenol® is available in liquid, chewables, tablets, or other suppositories. Ibuprofen is also available in these forms except suppositories. Do not worry if your child refuses to take those medicines unless they are lethargic or listless. If that is the case, you should be seek immediate medical attention

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the normal body temperature for a healthy child is between 97 and 100.3 degrees Fahrenheit. Thus, a temperature a degree above or below the “normal” 98.6° F is not considered a fever, since body temperature changes throughout the day and every individual is different. If your child has a fever, do not panic. The most important thing is to look at your child. If they are alert, interactive, occasionally playful, etc., they are probably ok. Common guidelines for contacting your doctor when fever is involved include the following:

For infants/babies:

Infants may not have fully developed the ability to regulate the body’s temperature; their temperature may actually drop instead of rise.

0-60 days:

Any temperature of 100.4° (rectal) or higher or a temperature of less than 97°, go to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s ER immediately. This is considered an emergency and your child requires immediate evaluation. Even when our office is open, this is an immediate ER referral – daytime or nighttime. It is not required to contact our office prior. The ER will communicate with us after your child has been seen.

2-4 months:

If your child has a temperature, your child should be seen that seen that same day or the following day if fever develops overnight and the infant is acting well.

4-6 months:

 Call if your child has had a temperature of over 102° for more than 48 hours (if otherwise acting well).

6 months or older: 

Call if your child has had a temperature of over 102° for more than 72 hours (if otherwise acting well) or sooner if your child has signs of earache, strep throat, UTI, bloody diarrhea, etc.

Any child with a fever who is significantly irritable or lethargic despite fever-reducers, who is having difficulty eating or difficulty breathing, or has altered mental status or any other concerning signs should be seen promptly.

Pediatricians are medical doctors who have undergone specialized training in the health and wellness of infants, adolescents, and young adults. At NDCHRC, our pediatricians are board-certified by the Indian Board of Pediatrics, and are dedicated to providing the highest quality healthcare for your child.

Our pediatricians offer support and advice to parents concerning the growth and development, nutrition, safety, and emotional wellness of their children to promote ongoing healthy lifestyles.

We encourage new parents-to-be to visit our pediatricians at NDCHRC Centre for a prenatal appointment, which allows you to become acquainted with our office, staff, and pediatricians.

During your prenatal appointment, our pediatricians will answer any questions you may have about pediatric healthcare for your newborn and our faith-based practice.

After my child is born, how often should we visit your centre?
Our pediatricians recommend scheduling well-child visits to ensure the overall health and development of your child in addition to visiting our office when your child is sick.
The Indian Academy of Pediatrics recommends parents follow this schedule for well-child visits:

• 3 to 5 days
• 1 month
• 2 months
• 4 months
• 6 months
• 9 months
• 12 months
• 15 months
• 18 months
• 24 months
• 30 months
• 3 years
• 4 years

Beyond four years of age, it is important to schedule an annual behavioral and developmental assessment.

Vaccinations help children build immunity to many common diseases, such as tetanus, polio, measles, and mumps.

Vaccinations inject weakened forms of disease germs into your child’s body and allow their immune system to produce antibodies that would fight the true form of the disease. The antibodies “remember” the antigen, and fight infection to ensure your child’s health and well-being.

Our board-certified pediatricians instruct parents to determine dosages by their child’s weight and not by their age. Please schedule an appointment to review and discuss correct dosages of over-the-counter medication with your child’s pediatrician.

Children under 6 months of age should not be given Ibuprofen, Advil or Motrin without first consulting your pediatrician. Acetaminophen/Tylenol should not be given to children under 2 months of age, and you should check with your child’s pediatrician to ensure the correct dosage per concentration.

Antibiotics are only prescribed for children with bacterial infections. While some viral infections may develop into bacterial infections – such as sinus or ear infections – children who suffer from illnesses such as the common cold will not be prescribed antibiotics.

Antibiotics present serious risks and carry potentially serious side effects, including:

Severe diarrhea
Allergic reaction
Developing bacterial-resistance due to inappropriate or overuse

There are several measures you can take as a parent to avoid your child getting sick. Remember, all of us carry germs. Remember to wash your and your child’s hands frequently, especially before, during, and after your visit with us at AGC. Hand sanitizer dispensers are located in each room a patient enters at AGC.

When else should I clean my child’s hands?

Other than before and after you enter your exam room here, here are some other times where washing up will make a difference: before and after eating, touching food, or feeding your child; after using the bathroom or changing a diaper; after wiping a runny nose, whether yours or your child’s.

Ask your child’s doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about your child’s medicine or its dosage. Also, ask your child’s doctor, nurse or pharmacist to write down things that you need to know for each medicine your child takes. Each time that you give a medicine to your child, it is recommended that you read the label three times to avoid mistakes. For questions about preventive medicines and over-the-counter medicines, you may ask us in person or call to speak with a nurse.

Please note, the information on this site is educational in nature, and is not intended to be diagnostic or to be a substitute for a careful examination and assessment by your child’s physician. If you are worried about your child, have your child checked by your child’s physician.