Key Takeaways
- Age is a major factor: For newborns under 3 months, a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher requires an immediate call to your pediatrician. For older infants and children, the fever temperature threshold is higher, but behavior and other symptoms are more important.
- Watch for concerning symptoms: High fevers accompanied by severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, unusual drowsiness, stiff neck, a non-blanching rash, or signs of dehydration are medical emergencies.
- Fever duration matters: A fever that lasts more than five days, or a fever that goes away and then returns, should be evaluated by a doctor.
- Trust your intuition: If you are worried about your child's fever or overall health, it is always best to call your pediatrician for guidance.
- Local pediatric care:Beittel-Becker Pediatric Associates has been providing excellent healthcare to children in Lancaster, PA, for decades. If you have concerns about your child’s fever, schedule an appointment with our trusted team.
Understanding Fevers in Children
A fever is one of the most common reasons parents call their pediatrician. While it can be frightening when your child’s temperature spikes, it’s important to remember that a fever itself is not an illness. Instead, it’s a sign that the body's immune system is fighting off an infection. Most fevers are caused by harmless viral infections that resolve on their own without treatment.
However, in some situations, a fever can indicate a more serious condition that requires medical attention. Knowing when to monitor your child at home and when to seek professional medical advice is key. The team at Beittel-Becker Pediatric Associates is here to help parents in Lancaster, PA, navigate these moments with confidence. This guide will walk you through the specific guidelines for different age groups and highlight the warning signs that mean it’s time to call your doctor.
What Is Considered a Fever?
A child officially has a fever when their temperature reaches 100.4°F (38°C) or higher when taken rectally. Rectal temperatures are the most accurate for infants and young children. Other methods like oral, ear (tympanic), or forehead (temporal) can be used for older children, but their accuracy can vary. An armpit (axillary) temperature is the least reliable method.
When to Call Your Pediatrician Based on Age and Temperature
The urgency of a fever largely depends on your child's age. Newborns and young infants have immature immune systems, making them more vulnerable to serious infections.
Infants Under 3 Months
For newborns and infants under 3 months old, any fever is a potential emergency.
Call your pediatrician immediately if your infant has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
Do not give any fever-reducing medication like acetaminophen (Tylenol) unless specifically instructed by your doctor. Masking the fever can make it harder for medical professionals to assess your baby's condition. Your pediatrician will likely advise you to bring your baby in for an examination to rule out any serious bacterial infections.
Infants 3 to 6 Months
In this age group, a fever still warrants a prompt call to the pediatrician.
Call your pediatrician if your infant’s temperature reaches 102°F (38.9°C) or higher.
You should also call if the fever is lower but your baby seems unusually irritable, lethargic, or uncomfortable. Your doctor can provide guidance on whether your child needs to be seen and if it's appropriate to give fever-reducing medication.
Children 6 Months to 2 Years
For older babies and toddlers, their behavior is often a better indicator of illness severity than the number on the thermometer.
Call your pediatrician if a fever of 102°F (38.9°C) or higher lasts for more than one day.
You should also call sooner if your child has other worrying symptoms, which we'll cover in the next section. A high fever that doesn't cause much discomfort may be less concerning than a low-grade fever in a child who is listless and refusing to drink fluids.
When to Call Your Pediatrician Based on Symptoms
Beyond age and temperature, certain symptoms accompanying a fever are red flags. If your child exhibits any of the following, contact Beittel-Becker Pediatric Associates or seek immediate medical care.
| Symptom Category | Concerning Signs to Watch For |
|---|---|
| Behavioral Changes | - Extreme irritability or fussiness that doesn't improve with comfort. - Unusual drowsiness, lethargy, or difficulty waking up. - A high-pitched, inconsolable cry. |
| Breathing Issues | - Rapid breathing or shortness of breath. - Nostrils flaring with each breath. - Ribs pulling in with each breath (retractions). |
| Signs of Dehydration | - Fewer wet diapers than usual (less than 4-6 in 24 hours for infants). - Crying without tears. - Dry mouth and cracked lips. - A sunken soft spot (fontanelle) on a baby's head. |
| Other Alarming Signs | - A new rash, especially one that looks like small purple or red dots and doesn't fade when you press on it (petechiae). - A stiff neck or severe headache. - Repeated vomiting or diarrhea. - A seizure (convulsion). |
A febrile seizure can occur in young children and, while frightening, is often harmless. However, any seizure warrants an immediate call to your pediatrician and often a visit to the emergency room, especially if it's the child's first one.
Schedule an Appointment at Beittel-Becker Pediatric Associates
Knowing when to call the doctor for a fever can give you peace of mind. Beittel-Becker Pediatric Associates is dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive care for children in Lancaster, PA.
If you are concerned about your child’s health, don't hesitate to reach out. Schedule an appointment today to connect with our experienced pediatric team.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is too long for a child's fever to last?
In general, you should contact your pediatrician if your child's fever persists for more than five days. It's also important to call if the fever goes away for 24 hours or more and then returns, as this could indicate a secondary infection.
What is the best way to take my child's temperature?
For infants under 3 months, a rectal temperature is the most accurate. For children between 3 months and 4 years, rectal, ear, or forehead thermometers are reliable. Once a child is over 4 years old and can cooperate, an oral temperature is also a good option. Armpit temperatures are the least accurate and should be used only for screening.
Can I give my child ibuprofen and Tylenol at the same time?
Alternating between ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be effective, but it also increases the risk of incorrect dosing. It's crucial to follow your pediatrician's advice on this. Beittel-Becker Pediatric Associates generally recommends sticking to one type of medication to avoid confusion and potential overdose. Never give ibuprofen to an infant under 6 months old.
Should I be concerned if my child's fever is very high?
A high number on the thermometer isn't always the best indicator of how sick your child is. A child with a 104°F fever who is playful and drinking fluids may be less concerning than a child with a 101°F fever who is lethargic and refusing to drink. Focus on your child's overall behavior and other symptoms.
