When to Worry About a Fever
By Amber Moss, DO | Board-Certified Family Medicine Physician
Fevers are common in children—and understandably concerning for parents. The good news is that most fevers are the body’s normal response to an infection and can be safely managed at home.
But there are times when a fever should be evaluated by a doctor.
What Is Considered a Fever?
A temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher is generally considered a fever.
The number on the thermometer is only part of the picture. How your child looks, feels, drinks, breathes, and behaves can be just as important as the temperature itself.
When Should I Call the Doctor?
Contact your child’s doctor if you are concerned about how your child is doing, particularly if your child:
Has a fever lasting more than a few days
Is unusually sleepy, irritable, or not acting like themselves
Isn't drinking well or is urinating much less than usual
Has persistent vomiting or diarrhea
Has significant ear pain, sore throat, or another concerning symptom
Develops a new rash with the fever
Improves and then develops another fever or becomes sick again
Children with certain underlying medical conditions may need to be evaluated sooner.
Fever in Babies Under 3 Months
Age matters when it comes to fever.
A baby younger than 3 months with a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher should receive prompt medical evaluation, even if the baby otherwise appears well.
When Is a Fever an Emergency?
Seek immediate medical care if your child has a fever along with concerning symptoms such as:
Difficulty breathing
A seizure
Severe headache or stiff neck
Confusion or difficulty waking
Signs of severe dehydration
Blue, gray, or unusually pale skin
A rapidly worsening illness
A rash that looks like bruising or tiny purple or red spots and does not fade when pressed
If your child appears seriously ill, trust what you're seeing and seek medical attention.
Should I Treat the Fever?
You don't necessarily need to bring a fever back to a normal temperature. Fever-reducing medication is generally used to help a child feel more comfortable.
Acetaminophen may be appropriate for many children, while ibuprofen may be used in children 6 months and older when appropriate. Dosing should be based on your child's weight and the medication instructions or guidance from your healthcare provider.
Encourage fluids and allow your child to rest.
Pay Attention to the Child, Not Just the Number
A higher temperature doesn't always mean a more serious illness.
A child with a fever who is drinking, interacting, and occasionally playing may be less concerning than a child with a lower fever who is extremely lethargic, struggling to breathe, or unable to drink.
When you're unsure, your child's doctor can help determine whether your child needs to be seen.
Pediatric Care in Gillette, Wyoming
At Moss Health, we provide pediatric primary care as well as visits for common childhood illnesses. When your child is sick, having a local physician you can turn to can make deciding what to do next a little easier.
Need your child evaluated? Schedule a pediatric or sick visit with Moss Health in Gillette, Wyoming.