✅The Quick Check: Is it a “True” Fever?
Children’s temperatures vary throughout the day. A child has a medical fever if the thermometer reads:
- Rectal (Bottom), Ear, or Forehead: 100.4° F (38.0° C) or higher.
- Oral (Mouth): 100° F (37.8° C) or higher.
- Armpit: 99° F (37.2° C) or higher.
Important Notes:
- Under 6 Months: Ear thermometers are not accurate. Rectal temperature is the most accurate in infants.
- Forehead Strips: Do not use plastic strips; they are not accurate. Use a digital thermometer.
- Teething: Research shows that teething does not cause fevers.
🔎Identifying the Cause
Most fevers are caused by viruses and go away on their own. However, looking at how the fever presents can help you guess the cause.
| Viral Infections (Colds/Flu) | The most common cause. Fever may be the only symptom for the first 24 hours before a cough or runny nose starts. |
| Roseola | A common viral infection in ages 6 months to 3 years. It causes a high fever for 2–3 days. As soon as the fever breaks, a pink rash appears on the body. |
| Vaccines | Fever often starts within 12 hours of a shot and lasts 2–3 days. This is normal. |
| Sinus Infection | Suspect this if a fever returns after a cold has seemingly gone away for a few days, accompanied by face pain. |
| Bladder Infection (UTI) | A common cause of “silent” fever (fever with no other symptoms) in girls. |
| Overheating | Caused by dressing too warmly or hot weather. Temperature usually drops quickly once the child rests in a cool place and drinks fluids. |
🚨 When to Get Help
Call 911 Now
- Child is too weak to stand or cannot wake up.
- Severe trouble breathing.
- Purple or blood-colored spots appear on the skin.
Call Doctor Now or Go to ER
- Age: Baby is under 12 weeks (3 months) with a fever. Do not give medicine before calling.
- High Temp: Fever is higher than 104° F (40° C).
- Symptoms: Stiff neck, shaking chills (>30 mins), or severe pain.
- Dehydration: No urine for 8+ hours, dry mouth, no tears.
- Immunity: Child has a weak immune system (e.g., sickle cell, cancer).
Contact in 24hrs
- Fever lasts more than 3 days (72 hours).
- Fever goes away for 24 hours and then comes back.
- Child is 3–6 months old.
🏠Home Care & Treatment
The Goal: The goal is to make your child comfortable, not necessarily to bring the temperature down to “normal.” Fevers help the immune system fight germs.
Medication
- 100°–102° F: Medicine is usually not needed. Let the fever fight the infection.
- Over 102° F: If the child is uncomfortable, you may use Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin).
- Note: Do not use Ibuprofen for babies under 6 months. Never use Aspirin.
Fluids & Clothing
- Hydrate: Fluids are essential. Cold fluids are best. (Breastmilk/formula only for babies <6 months).
- Clothing: Dress the child in one light layer. Do not bundle them up, as this traps heat.
- Sponging: Rarely needed. Only use lukewarm water (never cold or rubbing alcohol) if the fever is >104°F and medicine hasn’t worked after an hour.
🏫Return to School
Your child can return to school or daycare when:
- The fever has been gone for 24 hours (without using fever-reducing medicine).
- AND they feel well enough to participate in normal activities.
Medically Reviewed by Dr Michael Villadelgado
Disclaimer: This information is
for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how
you
use it. If you are unsure, always call your doctor.