For example, a child of 2 to 5 years may have a fever of up to 104 degrees with something as common as a cold. In a child over 8 years of age, fevers act like the fever of an adult. Your child's breathing will become faster than normal with a high fever. Your child's temperature may go up to 99 degrees to 101 degrees in the late afternoon, after a meal, after exercise, or with the wearing of too many clothes. Children with high fevers use the fluid in their bodies to try to stay cool.
Some children can lose too much of the body's fluid and become dehydrated.
Stay with your child and make sure your youngster remains still. Dip the bulb end of the thermometer into petroleum jelly such as Vaseline which has been placed onto toilet paper or a tissue. Lay your child face down on a bed or across your lap. Spread your child's bottom with your thumb and first finger so that you can see the rectal opening. Gently slide the blunt end of the thermometer into the rectum, but no more than one inch.