Whilefeverscan be concerning for parents, an elevated temperature is not always a fever. Although 98.6 F (37.0 C) has long been the standard definition of a normal body temperature, that doesn’t mean that any number above 98.6 F is a sign of trouble.
Normal temperatures can range from 97.2 F (36.2 C) to 99.5 F (37.5 C) insofar as adults are concerned. Children, especially younger children, can have slightly higher normal temperatures. Most pediatricians consider a temperature of 100.4 F (38 C) in children to be a fever.
Symptoms
A fever can be a symptom of many childhood illnesses, most of which are infectious, such as the common cold, the flu, or strep throat. But fevers can be associated with non-infectious illnesses as well.
Fevers often accompany othersigns and symptoms, including:
When to Treat?
Most fevers occur with an illness that will resolve on its own with time. If your child has a fever but is sleeping well, hydrating well, and is still active or playful, then you do not necessarily need to give them a fever reducer.
But sometimes, it can be a sign that your child needs medical treatment.
If fever appears to be affecting your child’s behavior, activity levels, ability to sleep or hydrate, or appetite, you can consider giving your child medication to reduce their fever. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states, “the primary goal of treating the febrile child should be to improve the child’s overall comfort.”
Tips for treating your child’s fever:
What to Do if Your Child Has a Fever
Getting Medical Attention
Other symptoms, in addition to the fever, such as being lethargic, not eating or drinking anything, having symptoms of dehydration, having trouble breathing, or crying inconsolably are signs that your child needed immediate medical attention.
Understanding Fever in Children
Your child’s temperature is not a way to measure how sick they are. A child could have a very high fever with a mild illness or have a low-grade fever with a life-threatening illness.
A fever may have beneficial effects in helping to fight infections, so it’s often a sign that your child’s immune system is working the way it’s supposed to work.
Overcoming Fever Phobia
Fever phobia, an exaggerated fear of fever, is common among parents. It’s understandable that you may be very concerned when your child has a high fever. But a fever itself is no reason to panic. With treatment for the underlying cause, your child will likely recover and feel better within a few days.
Some important and reassuring facts you should know:
A Word From Verywell
Fever-reducingmedicationscan be useful if a fever is affecting your child’s well-being. But if your child seems fine, there’s no need to give medication just for fever.
The AAP advises that parents can use over-the-counter drugs like children’s Tylenol or Advil, but warns parents not to overuse them. If in doubt, call your pediatrician or speak with your pharmacist.
3 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Sullivan JE, Farrar HC.Fever and antipyretic use in children.Pediatrics. 2011;127(3):580-7. doi:10.1542/peds.2010-3852Chapman J, Arnold JK.Reye syndrome. In: StatPearls.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Febrile seizures fact sheet.
3 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Sullivan JE, Farrar HC.Fever and antipyretic use in children.Pediatrics. 2011;127(3):580-7. doi:10.1542/peds.2010-3852Chapman J, Arnold JK.Reye syndrome. In: StatPearls.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Febrile seizures fact sheet.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Sullivan JE, Farrar HC.Fever and antipyretic use in children.Pediatrics. 2011;127(3):580-7. doi:10.1542/peds.2010-3852Chapman J, Arnold JK.Reye syndrome. In: StatPearls.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Febrile seizures fact sheet.
Sullivan JE, Farrar HC.Fever and antipyretic use in children.Pediatrics. 2011;127(3):580-7. doi:10.1542/peds.2010-3852
Chapman J, Arnold JK.Reye syndrome. In: StatPearls.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Febrile seizures fact sheet.
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