Fever is an elevation of body temperature above normal.  In children, fever is most commonly caused by a viral or bacterial infection, for example a cold, flu, or ear infection.  There is no single value that defines fever though there are some generally accepted guidelines:

Fever is an important part of the body's inflammatory response, which helps fight infection.

Fever can be uncomfortable, since it is often associated with increased heart rate, sore muscles/joints, and sleepiness.  Fever also increases the metabolic rate, which places increased demands on the heart and lungs.  For the normal child, this is NOT a problem.  For children with heart or lung abnormalities, the stress of fever can offset the benefit of fever to the immune system.  In some susceptible children between 6 months to 5 years of age, fever can also cause seizures.  Seizures associated with fever, called febrile seizures, are not known to cause any permanent brain damage, though obviously can be disturbing to see.  Interestingly, treating at fever onset for those with a history of febrile seizure does NOT affect the recurrence rate of febrile seizures, though this practice is often still recommended. [4,5,6]

It may surprise you to know that even as a mother and pediatrician, I generally don’t check my childrens’ body temperatures when they are sick. 

Maybe if they are having a flu-like illness with 3-4 days of high fever, I may check.  If you check your child's temperature, re-frame your mind.  Repeat after me: Fever is Okay and Actually Beneficial!  Allow the body to do what it does best, heal itself.  Which in some cases includes a fever. 

If the body temperature is over 104ºF
If your child has a chronic disease such as heart disease, lung disease and/or cancer
If your child is uncomfortable, although it is NOT necessary

Note: Fever in a child less than 3 months of age requires careful evaluation and treatment, be sure to contact your child’s primary care physician.

I use ibuprofen (Motrin) rather than acetaminophen (Tylenol) because it’s longer acting and has anti-inflammatory properties (helps sore muscles/joints).  You can also try a sponge bath with warm or tepid water (rather than cold water).  Sponging, rather than immersion in a bath, works better.  With sponging, as the water evaporates from the skin, heat is released and reduces the body’s temperature.

Remember, often children will not want to eat when they have a fever, and food is not necessary - don’t force feed.  Concentrate instead on encouraging fluids, offering small amounts frequently (water, homemade soup broth, or homemade popsicles for older children).  Most children will also feel tired and achy when they have a fever, so encourage rest and relaxation.  Once their temperature has been normal for 24 hours, your child can return to their normal activities and school.  Thank Goodness!