You\u2019re sitting with your sick child, looking at a thermometer, and wondering, \u201cHow high is too high?\u201d<\/p>\n
Does this sound familiar? Most of us have been there \u2013 even me. And I know that fever is just a symptom that can actually play a positive role in fighting infections \u2013 and it\u2019s rarely serious! Yet I still worry when my kids have a fever.<\/p>\n
Fever isn\u2019t always a bad thing. That\u2019s right \u2013 fever can even be helpful or be \u201cone of the good guys!\u201d By increasing the body\u2019s temperature, the immune system is working to kill off some of the virus that\u2019s making your child ill. Because of that, you usually don\u2019t need to worry too much, and you definitely don\u2019t need to treat every fever your child gets!<\/p>\n
What is a \u201cfever?\u201d Normal body temperature is usually 98.6\u00baF\u00a0but can vary about a degree on either side of that. Fever is defined as being 100.4\u00baF or more when\u00a0measured properly<\/a>.<\/p>\n Most kids will be less active when they have a fever. To figure out how ill your child is it\u2019s important to think less about the fever and more about how they seem to be acting. It\u2019s reassuring if they return to being active or playful when their fever is down. If they don\u2019t, it\u2019s time to call your doctor.<\/p>\n Not all kids with fevers need to be seen by a doctor. Many can be treated at home by taking\u00a0anti-fever medicine, drinking extra\u00a0fluids, taking warm baths, sponging, avoiding over-bundling, and\u00a0keeping rooms comfortably\u00a0cool.<\/p>\n Call your doctor if:<\/p>\n Your baby is younger that 3 months and has a temperature 100.4\u00baF or more. <\/strong>It\u2019s most accurate to measure temperature rectally at this age with a digital thermometer. Any baby who won\u2019t eat, seems listless, or has a bulging soft spot should be seen by a doctor.<\/p>\n Your child of any age:<\/strong><\/p>\n Also talk with your doctor if your child\u2019s fever lasts for more that 3 days, doesn\u2019t seem to be improving, or if the fever returns after a period of time when they seemed better.<\/p>\n If your child doesn\u2019t have the warning signs listed above, sending an email to or scheduling a\u00a0video visit with your doctor\u00a0<\/a>can be a great way to be reassured.<\/p>\n You\u2019re probably still going to worry the next time your child has a fever. As a mom of 3 kids who\u2019ve had their share of fevers, I probably will too! But now at least you have a clear guide for when to talk with your doctor about the fever.<\/p>\n Find more resources for parents:<\/p>\n My Doctor Online\n
\nFever in Children<\/a>
\nRecommended Doses of Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen<\/a><\/p>\n