Claire Dawson
Fevers are usually harmless and often go away within a few days, but they can sometimes indicate a serious problem. A fever is typically defined as a body temperature of 100.4°F or higher, and while this is usually a natural response to illness or infection, there are certain signs that indicate you or your child should go to the hospital. For example, a fever that lasts longer than three days, or one that is accompanied by symptoms like confusion, difficulty breathing, a rash, or a seizure may warrant a trip to the emergency room.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Body temperature considered a fever | 100°F or 37.8°C and above |
| Body temperature considered high-grade fever | 102.4°F or 39.1°C and above |
| Body temperature considered dangerous | 107°F |
| Temperature for adults to call a doctor | 104°F or 40°C |
| Temperature for adults to seek immediate medical attention | 103°F or 39.4°C |
| Temperature for children aged 0-3 months to call a doctor | 100.4°F or 38°C |
| Temperature for children aged 3-6 months to call a doctor | 100.4°F or 38°C and irritable or very sleepy, or 102°F or 38.9°C and above |
| Temperature for children aged 7-24 months to call a doctor | 102°F or 38.9°C and above for longer than one day |
| Temperature for children aged 2 and above to seek care | 100.4°F or 38°C and above, combined with other symptoms |
| Temperature for children of any age to call a doctor | 105°F |
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What You'll Learn
Fevers in babies and young children
Fevers are common in babies and young children and are usually caused by an infection. A fever is when the body temperature is higher than normal, usually 100°F or higher. While a fever is usually not dangerous, and minor fevers will generally run their course within a few days, there are certain signs you should look out for to determine whether to go to the hospital.
Firstly, it is important to note that newborn infants less than 28 days old are particularly vulnerable to infection entering the bloodstream and causing sepsis. If your child is younger than 2 months old and has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, you should call your pediatrician or go to the ER right away. For children between 3 and 6 months, call if their temperature is 100.4°F or higher and they are irritable or very sleepy, or if their temperature reaches 102°F or higher. If your child is older than 6 months, you can give them fever-reducing medication unless they are in pain or uncomfortable. If your child is 2 years or older, seek care for temperatures of 100.4°F or higher combined with symptoms such as a seizure, a fever of 103°F or higher, or a fever after being in hot temperatures (possible heat stroke).
If your child has had a fever for more than 72 hours, or the fever went away for more than 24 hours and then returned, call your child's physician. Symptoms of serious illness in babies and young children include severe drowsiness, breathing difficulty, blue skin, seizures, fever, and frequent vomiting. If your child's temperature reaches 105°F, this is considered a medical emergency and your child needs immediate medical attention.
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Fevers lasting longer than three days
Fevers are a common response to illness or infection. They are usually harmless and most fevers go away within a few hours to days as your body defeats an infection. However, if a fever lasts for more than three days, it could be a sign of a more serious illness.
Fevers are not normally harmful on their own, but they can be a warning signal that something is not right. In babies and toddlers, even a slight fever may indicate a serious illness. In older children and adults, a fever is not usually serious or life-threatening. However, sometimes a high or persistent fever might indicate a severe health condition.
If you or your child has a fever, there are some precautionary steps you can take while deciding whether to seek medical care:
- Use a thermometer to monitor the fever regularly.
- Stay hydrated to prevent dehydration from sweating.
- Use cool compresses or light clothing to help bring down the temperature.
If a fever lasts for more than three days, it is recommended to talk to a doctor or seek immediate medical evaluation.
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Fevers above 103°F (39.4°C)
Fevers are a common response to illness or infection. A fever is defined as a body temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. While fever is usually harmless, it can be a cause for concern, especially for babies and young children.
- Confusion
- Difficulty breathing
- Rash
- Extreme sleepiness
- Irritability
- Severe headache
- Sore throat
- Stomach ache
- Repeated vomiting
- Seizure
- Difficulty urinating
- Chest pain
- Belly pain
- Nausea
- Chills
- Night sweats
- Muscle stiffness
- Neck stiffness
If you or your child has a fever above 103°F (39.4°C), it is important to take precautionary steps while deciding whether to seek medical care. Use a thermometer to monitor the fever regularly, stay hydrated, and use cool compresses or light clothing to help bring down the temperature.
While most fevers will go away on their own within a few days, knowing when to go to the hospital for a fever is critical. Prompt treatment can significantly impact health outcomes, especially for young children.
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Fevers after travel to certain areas
Fevers are a common response to illness or infection. They are usually harmless and will go away within a few days. However, if you have recently travelled to certain areas, it is important to be aware of the possibility of contracting certain diseases that are prevalent in those regions.
Malaria is a parasitic disease spread by mosquitoes in tropical and subtropical climates, including the Caribbean, Central and South America, south-central and
Dengue fever is another mosquito-borne illness found in tropical and subtropical climates worldwide, especially in urban areas. It causes fever and severe joint pain, along with muscle pain, fatigue, headache, nausea, and a rash. Dengue is most frequently diagnosed in travellers returning from Asia.
Typhoid fever is a life-threatening illness caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi, which is spread by ingesting contaminated food or water. It is found in Asia and can be resistant to commonly used antibiotics. Symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, headache, and rose-coloured spots on the skin.
Chikungunya is a viral disease spread by infected mosquitoes that is most common in travellers to Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and Asia. It causes fever, severe joint pain, muscle pain, fatigue, headache, nausea, and vomiting.
If you have recently travelled to any of these regions and are experiencing a fever, it is important to seek medical attention to rule out these serious illnesses. The severity of your illness, travel history, and specific areas visited will help clinicians distinguish the cause of your fever.
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Fevers with other symptoms
A fever is a common response to illness or infection, and it is usually harmless. However, it can sometimes be a symptom of a more serious condition.
Fevers are particularly dangerous for infants and toddlers, and they should be closely monitored. If your child is younger than three months old and has a rectal temperature of 100.4 °F (38 °C) or higher, you should call their pediatrician. If they are between three and six months old, call their doctor if their temperature is 100.4 °F (38 °C) or higher and they are irritable or very sleepy, or if their temperature reaches 102 °F (38.9 °C) or higher. For children between seven and twenty-four months old, call if their temperature is higher than 102 °F (38.9 °C) and lasts longer than one day, or if there are other symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, or diarrhea.
For adults, a fever is usually not dangerous unless it reaches 103 °F (39.4 °C) or higher. If your fever is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention:
- Confusion
- Extreme sleepiness
- Irritability
- Seizures
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Coughing
- Pain when urinating
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
Additionally, if you have recently returned from a trip to an area where malaria is prevalent, such as the Caribbean, Central and South America, South and Southeast Asia, or sub-Saharan Africa, and you develop a fever, see a doctor for an evaluation and treatment. Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that requires prompt medical attention.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a fever with any of the above symptoms, don't hesitate to seek medical care. While fevers are often harmless, they can sometimes be an indication of a more serious condition.
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Frequently asked questions
A fever is generally defined as a body temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. However, body temperature varies from person to person and throughout the day, so any temperature above your normal range can be considered a fever.
For infants under 3 months old, a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher warrants a call to the doctor. If your child is between 3 and 6 months old, call the doctor if their temperature is 100.4°F (38°C) or higher and they are irritable or sleepy, or if their temperature reaches 102°F (38.9°C) or higher. For children over 2 years old, seek medical attention if their temperature is 100.4°F (38°C) or higher and they are experiencing symptoms such as a seizure or confusion.
For adults, a fever of 103°F (39.4°C) or higher is considered high grade and should be treated immediately, especially if accompanied by other symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, vomiting, or confusion.
