All kids get a fever from time to time. Usually, a fever isn’t dangerous or bad for kids. It can even be a good thing because it can help the immune system fight infection.
Still, parents might be unsure about how to handle a fever at home and when to call the doctor. Here are some tips.
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What Is a Fever (High Temperature)?
In general, a fever means the body’s temperature is 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. Different ways of measuring a temperature — rectal, armpit, ear, forehead, or mouth — get a slightly different number, so the number that means a child has a fever is a little different too.
What Causes Fever (High Temperature)?
Fevers in kids are usually caused by an infection. A fever helps the body by stimulating the immune system to fight the infection. Doctors also think the higher temperature makes it harder for the germs to grow.
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A few other reasons kids can have a fever:
Overdressing: Infants, especially newborns, may get fevers if they’re overdressed, wrapped in a blanket, or in a hot environment because they don’t regulate their body temperature as well as older kids. But because fevers in newborns can be a sign of a serious infection, even infants who are overdressed must be checked by a doctor if they have a fever.
Immunizations: Babies and kids sometimes get a mild fever that lasts about a day after getting vaccinated.
A child who is teething might have a slight rise in body temperature, but it’s probably not the cause if the temperature is higher than 100°F (37.8°C).
When Is a Fever (High Temperature) a Sign of Something Serious?
In most healthy kids who are acting well, a fever isn’t serious.
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Serious fever symptoms to watch for:
- Infants younger than 3 months: If an infant younger than 3 months has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, call your doctor or go to the ER right away.
- Kids with some health conditions: If your child has an ongoing health issue, make sure you know if the doctor should be called for fever.
A fever probably is not serious if your child is 3 months or older and:
- is still interested in playing
- is drinking well
- is alert and smiling
- has a normal skin color
- looks well when their temperature comes down
Don’t worry too much about a child with a fever who doesn’t want to eat. This is common with infections that cause fever. For kids who still drink and urinate (pee) normally, not eating as much as usual is OK.
What Are the Signs of a Fever (High Temperature)?
Fever symptoms to watch for in kids:
- feeling warm
- acting differently (they might be fussy or cranky, or quieter than usual)
- breathing a little faster or have a faster heart rate than normal
- having a headache
- having chills or sweating
- having red or flushed skin
For any of these signs, take your child’s temperature to know if they really have a fever.
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