Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is a Fever?CausesTaking a TemperatureTreatmentCall the PediatricianGo to the ER
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is a Fever?
Causes
Taking a Temperature
Treatment
Call the Pediatrician
Go to the ER
Parents often worry when their child gets a fever—and understandably so. A fever is a symptom, much like a cough, runny nose, or a sore throat. So it can be an indication that your child may need medical attention.
Find out more about what you need to do when your child has a fever.
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Fever is a rise in body temperature above normal levels. The American Academy of Pediatrics describes fever as “a positive sign that the body is fighting infection.“An increase in body temperature interferes with the growth of some infections and helps boost the body’s immune system response.
A normal body temperature is 98.6 degrees F, and your child would be considered as having a fever when the thermometer reads 100.4 degrees F or above.
Tips for Taking Your Child’s Temperature
Most parents think of infection when their child has a fever, but sometimes other conditions can cause a fever.
Fever can also be a side effect of medication use (drug fever), a blood transfusion, or vaccines.
Even though this is a long list of possible causes, simple viral infections are the most common cause of childhood fevers. And thedegree of feverdoesn’t tell you how sick your child is. It is important to see your pediatrician if your child has a prolonged fever or frequent fevers.
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Taking Your Child’s Temperature
There are manytypes of thermometers, and which you use largely comes down to circumstance and personal preference.
Options include:
Whichever you choose, be sure that you knowhow to properly use itso you get an accurate reading.
8 Best Thermometers, Tested and Reviewed
Common fever reducers you can give to children includeTylenol(acetaminophen) andMotrin or Advil(ibuprofen). Ibuprofen is usually only given to infants over 6 months of age.
Aspirin should not be given to a child or teen, as it may trigger a rare, possibly fatal condition calledReye’s syndrome.
Be sure your child is drinking extra fluids. They may also feel more comfortable after taking a lukewarm sponge bath and changing into lighter clothing.
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When to Call the Pediatrician
You can usually treat your child’s fever at home. You should call the pediatrician if your child seems sick, has trouble breathing, is lethargic, or has a severe headache.
When to call the pediatrician:
2:12Click Play to Learn All About Pediatricians
2:12
Click Play to Learn All About Pediatricians
When to Go to the ER
Though less common, there are times when a fever means a serious infection and requires emergency treatment.
Reasons to head to the emergency room (ER):
With older children,you can make a determination on whether a trip to the ER is necessary based on their behavior and activity level. Your child’s behavior can give you a good idea of how sick they may be.
Your child’s fever is probably not concerning if they:
When to Call 911Immediate medical attention is necessary for certain situations.Call for an ambulance if your child:Cannot be awakenedSeems confusedCannot walk or is struggling to moveIs having severe breathing strugglesHas blue lips, tongue, or nailsHas a very bad headacheHas aseizure
When to Call 911
Immediate medical attention is necessary for certain situations.Call for an ambulance if your child:Cannot be awakenedSeems confusedCannot walk or is struggling to moveIs having severe breathing strugglesHas blue lips, tongue, or nailsHas a very bad headacheHas aseizure
Immediate medical attention is necessary for certain situations.
Call for an ambulance if your child:
A Word From Verywell
Seeing a thermometer register a fever should certainly get your attention. But it is not necessarily a reason for panic.
If your child experiences fever with other symptoms—sore throat or rash, for example—you should call their doctor to see if a visit is warranted. Persistent and frequent fevers, with or without additional symptoms, should also be brought to the attention of your child’s doctor.
All of this said, a parent’s gut-check is always important. Always seek the advice of a physician if you’re just not sure what to do.
6 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.
Gunduz S, Usak E, Koksal T, Canbal M.Why Fever Phobia Is Still Common?Iran Red Crescent Med J.2016;18(8):e23827. doi:10.5812/ircmj.23827
Torreggiani S, Filocamo G, Esposito S.Recurrent Fever in Children.Int J Mol Sci. 2016;17(4):448. doi:10.3390/ijms17040448
InformedHealth.org.Fever in Children: Overview. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2013.
InformedHealth.org.Fever in children: When to see a doctor. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2009.
Lim T. Cleveland Clinic.Kids’ Fevers: When to Worry, When to Relax.Published May 12, 2015.Murren-Boezem J. The Nemours Foundation.Fevers. Updated September 2018.
Lim T. Cleveland Clinic.Kids’ Fevers: When to Worry, When to Relax.Published May 12, 2015.
Murren-Boezem J. The Nemours Foundation.Fevers. Updated September 2018.
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