When Should I Call if My Child Has a Fever?

Did you know fevers actually help fight infections?

It is the body’s normal, healthy response to infections. An elevated core body temperature revs up the immune system and assists in fighting many types of infections. Most fevers are not harmful and may last 2 or 3 days.

What is a fever?

A fever means the body temperature is above normal. Your child has a fever if they have a temperature of 100.4°F or higher. Note that the ear temperature is not accurate for babies under 6 months old. Caution: Forehead temperatures must be digital. Forehead strips are not accurate.

Keep them comfortable

If your child has a fever, two important ways to help them feel comfortable are:

• Making sure they get plenty of fluids.
• Checking with your provider before giving any medications to children under 6 months.

When to call the doctor

Call your child’s doctor right away if your child has a fever and:

• Looks very ill, is unusually drowsy, or is very fussy
• Has been in a very hot place, such as an overheated car
• Has other symptoms, such as a stiff neck, severe headache, severe sore throat, severe ear pain, an unexplained rash, or repeated vomiting or diarrhea
• Has immune system problems, such as sickle cell disease or cancer, or is taking steroids
• Has had a seizure
• Is younger than 12 weeks and has a temperature of 100.4°F or higher
• Fever rises above 104°F repeatedly for a child of any age

Also call your child’s doctor if:

• Your child still “acts sick” once his fever is brought down.
• Your child seems to be getting worse.
• The fever persists for more than 24 hours in a child younger than 2 years without any other symptoms of illness.
• The fever persists for more than 3 days (72 hours) in a child 2 years of age or older.

If you are still uncertain, please call our office’s nurse line at 253-383-5777. Our triage nurse is happy to help answer any questions or concerns you may have!

Sources

Barton D. Schmitt, M.D., author of My Child Is Sick, American Academy of Pediatrics Books. Pediatric Advisor 2015.3 published by RelayHealth.

Fever and Your Child (Copyright © 2007 American Academy of Pediatrics, updated 5/2012)