Ethan Rhodes
Fevers are a common response to illness or infection, and in most cases, they're nothing to worry about. However, it's important to know when to seek medical attention, especially for babies and young children. While most fevers will go away within a few days, certain circumstances warrant a trip to the hospital. For example, for children aged 6-24 months, a fever that lasts for more than 48 hours without any other symptoms may be a reason to consult a doctor. Additionally, a fever in an infant less than a year old that persists above 102 degrees Fahrenheit for more than two days without an apparent cause is concerning. In adults, a fever that reaches 103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, or one that persists for more than three days, may require medical evaluation, especially if accompanied by symptoms like confusion, difficulty breathing, or a rash.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Body temperature considered a fever | 100.4°F or higher |
| Body temperature considered dangerous | 103°F or higher |
| Fever in infants (less than a year old) considered dangerous | 102°F for more than two days |
| Fever in infants (less than 12 weeks old) | Do not give fever medicine before being seen by a doctor |
| Fever in infants (0–3 months) considered dangerous | 100.4°F or higher, with or without other symptoms |
| Fever in infants (3–6 months) considered dangerous | 100.4°F or higher and irritable or very sleepy, or if their temperature reaches 102°F or higher |
| Fever in infants (6–24 months) considered dangerous | 102°F or higher for more than a day, especially with a rash, cough, or diarrhea |
| Fever in children considered dangerous | 105°F |
| Duration of fever considered dangerous | More than three days |
| Duration of fever with viral illnesses | 2-3 days |
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What You'll Learn
Fever in babies under 12 weeks old
Fever is one of the most common symptoms new parents face. It is not an illness but a symptom of one. A baby's normal temperature averages 98.6 degrees F. A fever is a rectal temperature of 100.4 degrees F or higher or an armpit temperature of 99 degrees F or higher. Take a few readings when your infant is well to get a sense of what their normal temperature is.
If your baby is under 3 months old and has a fever, contact their doctor right away. For older babies, try these tips: Bathe them with lukewarm water. Always check the temperature of the water on your wrist before washing your baby. Dress your infant in a light layer of clothes. Give your baby enough fluids to avoid dehydration. Those fluids should be breast milk or formula. If they are older than 6 months, they can drink Pedialyte. Ask your baby's doctor for guidelines.
If your baby also has pain, treat it. Fever does not cause pain. Any pain is from the infection. It may be a sore throat or muscle pain. Your child can return to childcare after the fever is gone for 24 hours. Your child should feel well enough to join in normal activities. Most fevers with viral illnesses range between 101 and 104 degrees F. They may last for 2 to 3 days. They are not harmful.
Fever by itself is not an illness, but a symptom for a range of medical conditions. It also can be a side effect of some medications. Fever is one of the most common reasons parents visit an emergency department with a child.
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Fever in children and when to call the doctor
Fever in children is usually a positive sign that their immune system is fighting off an infection. However, it is understandable that parents or caregivers may feel concerned about their child's health and wonder when to call the doctor. Here are some guidelines on when to call the doctor or take your child to the emergency room:
Firstly, it is important to understand what constitutes a fever. A fever is generally defined as a body temperature above 100.4°F (38°C). Different measurement methods, such as rectal, armpit, ear, forehead, or mouth, can yield slightly different results. For infants younger than 3 months, a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher warrants an immediate call to the doctor or a visit to the emergency room.
For children older than 3 months, there are several factors to consider. If your child's fever is higher than 104°F, it is recommended to call a healthcare provider. Additionally, if your child's fever persists for more than a few days, especially if it interferes with their daily activities, it is advisable to seek medical advice.
It is also crucial to monitor your child for any additional symptoms that may accompany the fever. These could include extreme drowsiness, lack of appetite, difficulty swallowing, continuous crying, a stiff neck, a fever rash, difficulty breathing, dehydration, decreased urination, or other specific complaints like a sore throat or earache. If your child experiences any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
In the case of infants less than a year old, a fever over 102°F for more than two days without a clear reason is cause for concern and warrants medical attention. Furthermore, children under 5 years old can sometimes experience seizures during a fever. If your child has a seizure lasting less than two minutes, call your doctor, and if it extends beyond four to five minutes, call emergency services.
It is important to remember that most fevers in children are mild and can be treated at home with fever-reducing medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and by offering plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. However, always consult your healthcare provider before administering any medication to infants or young children, especially if they have any underlying medical conditions.
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Fever as a symptom of autoimmune diseases
Fever is not an illness by itself but a symptom of a range of medical conditions. It is also a side effect of some medications. A fever is usually a sign that the body is fighting an infection or sickness.
Fever is a common symptom of many autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and rheumatic fever. When an individual has an autoimmune disease, their immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells. Fever occurs as the body tries to fight off a perceived infection or illness. These types of fever usually last a few days, but a doctor should be consulted if there are other symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, or vomiting.
There are more than 80 types of autoimmune diseases that can affect almost any part of the body. Alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease of the skin, causes hair loss. Autoimmune hepatitis affects the liver, and type 1 diabetes causes the immune system to attack the pancreas. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect the joints, lungs, and eyes. Other autoimmune diseases include myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis, and thyroid diseases such as Graves' disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
Fever by itself is usually not dangerous unless it registers 103°F (39.4°C) or higher. However, if a fever is accompanied by other symptoms, it may indicate a serious or life-threatening illness. Prompt treatment can make a huge difference in health outcomes, especially for young children.
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Fever and when to go to the ER
Fever is a common response to illness or infection, but knowing when to go to the ER can make a difference in health outcomes. Fever by itself is not an illness but a symptom of a range of medical conditions. It is also a side effect of some medications.
Most fevers will resolve in a few days, but certain circumstances could be a reason to seek medical attention. A fever that doesn't respond to fever-reducing medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, is one reason to see a doctor. Another reason is if you have a high fever with other symptoms, such as dizziness, fatigue, or vomiting. If you have a fever due to a viral infection, like a cold, the flu, or COVID-19, it will likely go away on its own. However, a body temperature of 102 or 103 Fahrenheit is considered a high fever and may indicate a more serious infection.
For children, fever thresholds and symptoms vary by age, so monitoring their condition closely is essential. Here are some guidelines for when to seek medical attention for a child with a fever:
- For infants less than 12 weeks old, do not give any fever medicine before being seen by a doctor.
- For infants less than a year old, a fever over 102 Fahrenheit for more than two days without a clear reason is cause for concern.
- For children 3–6 months old, call a doctor 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.
- For children 6–24 months old, contact a doctor if their temperature is 102°F or higher for more than a day, especially if accompanied by a rash, cough, or diarrhea.
- For children of any age, including teens, a fever of 105°F or higher warrants a trip to the emergency room.
While most fevers are not dangerous, knowing when to go to the ER for a fever is critical. Prompt treatment can significantly impact health outcomes, especially for young children.
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Fever-reducing medications
Fever is a common response to illness or infection. It is not an illness by itself but a symptom of a range of medical conditions. Fevers are usually beneficial, reducing the severity of illness and shortening its length.
While fever-reducing medications can provide comfort, it is important to note that they may not always aid in recovery and could even be harmful in some cases. Studies suggest that these medications may weaken the immune response to infection and have unwanted side effects. For instance, taking too much acetaminophen can cause liver damage and lead to severe stomach problems when taken with alcohol. Similarly, ibuprofen and naproxen carry an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, ulcers, or bleeding, especially for those with a history of heart disease.
Therefore, it is recommended to use fever-reducing medications sparingly and only when necessary. In most cases, a fever can be managed without medication by staying warm, drinking fluids, and getting rest.
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Frequently asked questions
For children under the age of 3 months, call your child's pediatrician if their temperature is 100.4°F or higher, with or without other symptoms. For children aged 3-6 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. For children aged 6-24 months, contact your pediatrician if their temperature is 102°F or higher for more than a day, especially if they also have a rash, cough, or diarrhea. If your child is older than 24 months and has a fever for more than four or five days, call your doctor. If your child's fever reaches 105°F or higher, take them to the emergency room.
A fever is usually not dangerous and will go away within a few days. If your fever lasts for more than three days, spikes above 103°F, or is accompanied by symptoms like confusion, difficulty breathing or a rash, talk to a doctor or get an immediate evaluation. If your fever reaches 105°F or higher, go to the emergency room immediately.
If your child has a fever and is vomiting, call your doctor right away or go to the emergency department. If your child is an infant (less than a year old) and has a fever of 102°F for more than two days without a clear reason, seek medical attention.
