Fever in children is very, very common – every parent knows.
For babies younger than 2 months or children of any age with known underlying conditions that make serious infection more likely, head to the Emergency Department if they have a temperature of 100.4F, or 38C, or higher. Otherwise, your first step should be this: Take a deep breath.
Calm and comfort
Stay calm. You don’t need to call the doctor right away.
Instead, make it a priority to help your child feel as comfortable as possible. Encourage them to rest and drink.
Don’t be afraid of fever
When a child’s body revs up to fight germs, their body temperature often rises.
A bump in body temperature to 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher is considered a fever. Children will experience numerous fevers in their first few years.
Fever itself is just a sign of illness and is not in itself the worry. The concern is the underlying disease - whether it is meningitis, COVID-19, a urinary tract infection or a common cold. Keep in mind allergies and teething do not cause fever.
When should I call the doctor?
This is worth mentioning again: For babies younger than 2 months or children of any age with underlying conditions that make serious infection more likely, go to the Emergency Department right away.
If an otherwise healthy baby between the ages of 2 and 3 months gets a fever, parents should consult immediately with their pediatrician.
For everyone else: Use your judgement as a parent, just as you would have before the pandemic.
You don’t have to keep taking your child’s temperature multiple times a day once you have already established that they have a fever. Other symptoms and how your child looks and feels are more important than what the temperature is.
Call the doctor right away if your child has shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, is crying inconsolably or has severe pain, or has a change in mental state (for example, seems confused or unusually “out of it”). You should also call if you suspect your child is dehydrated. Developing a new rash, with fever, is another sign to call the doctor.
Always trust your gut. You know your child. If you feel something isn’t right, call the doctor.
Watch an animated video about fever.
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Fever in children is very, very common – every parent knows.
For babies younger than 2 months or children of any age with known underlying conditions that make serious infection more likely, head to the Emergency Department if they have a temperature of 100.4F, or 38C, or higher. Otherwise, your first step should be this: Take a deep breath.
Calm and comfort
Stay calm. You don’t need to call the doctor right away.
Instead, make it a priority to help your child feel as comfortable as possible. Encourage them to rest and drink.
Don’t be afraid of fever
When a child’s body revs up to fight germs, their body temperature often rises.
A bump in body temperature to 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher is considered a fever. Children will experience numerous fevers in their first few years.
Fever itself is just a sign of illness and is not in itself the worry. The concern is the underlying disease - whether it is meningitis, COVID-19, a urinary tract infection or a common cold. Keep in mind allergies and teething do not cause fever.
When should I call the doctor?
This is worth mentioning again: For babies younger than 2 months or children of any age with underlying conditions that make serious infection more likely, go to the Emergency Department right away.
If an otherwise healthy baby between the ages of 2 and 3 months gets a fever, parents should consult immediately with their pediatrician.
For everyone else: Use your judgement as a parent, just as you would have before the pandemic.
You don’t have to keep taking your child’s temperature multiple times a day once you have already established that they have a fever. Other symptoms and how your child looks and feels are more important than what the temperature is.
Call the doctor right away if your child has shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, is crying inconsolably or has severe pain, or has a change in mental state (for example, seems confused or unusually “out of it”). You should also call if you suspect your child is dehydrated. Developing a new rash, with fever, is another sign to call the doctor.
Always trust your gut. You know your child. If you feel something isn’t right, call the doctor.
Watch an animated video about fever.
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