A fever is a common sign of infection in children. While a fever can be a sign that the body is fighting an infection, it can also be a sign of a more serious illness. It is important to know when a fever is too high for a child and when to seek medical attention.
What is a fever?
A fever is a body temperature that is higher than normal. The normal body temperature range for children is between 97.6°F (36.4°C) and 99.6°F (37.5°C). A fever is considered to be present when the body temperature is 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
What causes a fever?
A fever is caused by the body’s response to an infection. When the body is fighting an infection, it releases chemicals called pyrogens. Pyrogens cause the body temperature to rise, which helps to kill the bacteria or virus that is causing the infection.
How to take a child’s temperature
There are several different ways to take a child’s temperature. The most accurate way to take a child’s temperature is to use a digital rectal thermometer. To take a rectal temperature, insert the thermometer into the child’s rectum for about 1 inch. Hold the thermometer in place for about 1 minute, or until it beeps.
You can also take a child’s temperature using an oral thermometer or an axillary thermometer. However, these methods are not as accurate as a rectal thermometer.
When is a fever too high for a child?
A fever is considered to be too high for a child if it is:
- 100.4°F (38°C) or higher in a child under 3 months old
- 101°F (38.3°C) or higher in a child between 3 and 6 months old
- 102°F (38.9°C) or higher in a child between 6 and 12 months old
- 103°F (39.4°C) or higher in a child over 12 months old
What to do if your child has a fever
If your child has a fever, it is important to:
- Monitor your child’s temperature. Take your child’s temperature every 2 hours until the fever goes down.
- Give your child plenty of fluids. Children with a fever can become dehydrated quickly. Offer your child plenty of fluids, such as water, juice, or soup.
- Dress your child in light, loose clothing. Children with a fever can feel hot and uncomfortable. Dress your child in light, loose clothing to help them stay cool.
- Sponge your child with cool water. If your child’s fever is high, you can sponge them with cool water to help them cool down. Do not use cold water, as this can cause your child to shiver.
- Give your child a fever reducer. If your child’s fever is causing them discomfort, you can give them a fever reducer, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Follow the directions on the package carefully.
When to seek medical attention
Seek medical attention immediately if your child has a fever and:
- Your child is under 3 months old.
- Your child’s fever is 101°F (38.3°C) or higher and does not go down after 24 hours.
- Your child’s fever is 102°F (38.9°C) or higher and does not go down after 72 hours.
- Your child has other symptoms, such as a rash, headache, or stiff neck.
- Your child is acting lethargic or irritable.
- Your child is not drinking enough fluids.
Conclusion
A fever is a common sign of infection in children. It is important to know when a fever is too high for a child and when to seek medical attention. By following the tips in this article, you can help keep your child safe and comfortable when they have a fever.
Additional tips
In addition to the tips above, here are a few more things you can do to help your child when they have a fever:
- Make sure your child gets plenty of rest. Children with a fever need to rest so that their bodies can heal.
- Offer your child healthy foods. Children with a fever may not feel like eating, but it is important to offer them healthy foods to help them stay strong.
- Avoid giving your child aspirin. Aspirin can cause Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious illness that can affect the brain and liver.
- Be patient. It can take time for a fever to go down. Be patient and continue to monitor your child’s temperature and symptoms.
Table 1: Normal body temperature range for children
| Age | Normal body temperature range |
|---|---|
| 0-3 months | 97.6°F (36.4°C) to 99.6°F (37.5°C) |
| 3-6 months | 98.6°F (37°C) to 100.6°F (38.1°C) |
| 6-12 months | 98.8°F (37.1°C) to 100.8°F (38.2°C) |
| Over 12 months | 97.6°F (36.4°C) to 99.6°F (37.5°C) |
Table 2: Signs of a fever that is too high for a child
| Age | Fever |
|---|---|
| Under 3 months | 100.4°F (38°C) or higher |
| 3-6 months | 101°F (38.3°C) or higher |
| 6-12 months | 102°F (38.9°C) or higher |
| Over 12 months | 103°F (39.4°C) or higher |
Table 3: What to do if your child has a fever
| Fever | What to do |
|---|---|
| 100.4°F (38°C) or higher in a child under 3 months old | Seek medical attention immediately. |
| 101°F (38.3°C) or higher in a child between 3 and 6 months old | Monitor your child’s temperature and symptoms. Seek medical attention if the fever does not go down after 24 hours. |
| 102°F (38.9°C) or higher in a child between 6 and 12 months old | Monitor your child’s temperature and symptoms. Seek medical attention if the fever does not go down after 72 hours. |
| 103°F (39.4°C) or higher in a child over 12 months old | Seek medical attention immediately. |
Table 4: When to seek medical attention for a fever
| Symptoms | When to seek medical attention |
|---|---|
| Fever in a child under 3 months old | Immediately |
| Fever of 101°F (38.3°C) or higher in a child between 3 and 6 months old that does not go down after 24 hours | Immediately |
| Fever of 102°F (38.9°C) or higher in a child between 6 and 12 months old that does not go down after 72 hours | Immediately |
| Fever of 103°F (39.4°C) or higher in a child over 12 months old | Immediately |
| Rash, headache, stiff neck, lethargy, or irritability | Immediately |
| Child is not drinking enough fluids | Immediately |
