Few things worry parents more than a hot forehead in the middle of the night. The good news: most fevers in children are caused by common viral infections and go away on their own. A fever is actually a sign that your child’s immune system is working. Still, some fevers need prompt medical attention, and knowing the difference can give you peace of mind.
What Counts as a Fever?
For children, a fever is generally a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. For babies and toddlers, a rectal temperature is the most accurate. For older children, an oral or temporal (forehead) thermometer works well. Ear thermometers can be used after about 6 months of age.
Babies Under 3 Months: Act Right Away
If your baby is younger than 3 months and has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F or higher, seek emergency care right away, even if your baby seems otherwise fine. Young infants can become seriously ill quickly and need to be evaluated promptly. Do not give fever medicine to a baby this young unless a doctor tells you to.
When to Call Your Pediatrician
For children older than 3 months, call our office if:
- Your baby is 3 to 6 months old and has a fever of 102°F or higher, or seems unusually sick
- A fever lasts more than 24 hours in a child under 2, or more than 3 days in a child 2 or older
- The fever keeps coming back, even if it goes away for a few hours
- Your child has a fever along with ear pain, a sore throat, painful urination, or a new rash
- Your child is drinking less than usual or has fewer wet diapers
- You are worried, or your instincts tell you something is not right
When to Go to the ER or Call 911
Seek emergency care immediately if your child has a fever and:
- Has trouble breathing, or is breathing very fast
- Is very hard to wake, unusually limp, or unresponsive
- Has a stiff neck, a severe headache, or seems confused
- Has a rash of purple or red spots that do not fade when pressed
- Has signs of dehydration, such as no urine in 8 hours, a dry mouth, or no tears when crying
- Has a seizure
How to Help Your Child Feel Better at Home
- Offer plenty of fluids such as water, breast milk, or formula
- Dress your child in light clothing and keep the room comfortable
- Let your child rest, but there is no need to wake a sleeping child just to give medicine
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be used for children over 3 months, and ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) for children over 6 months. Always dose by your child’s weight, and call us if you are unsure of the right amount
- Never give aspirin to children or teens
Remember, the goal of fever medicine is to help your child feel more comfortable, not to bring the temperature back to normal. How your child is acting matters more than the number on the thermometer.
Same-Day Sick Visits in McKinney
If your child has a fever and you are not sure what to do, call BrightKids Pediatrics at (972) 532-0535. We offer same-day sick visits for families in McKinney, Frisco, Prosper, and Allen.
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. In an emergency, call 911.