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May 7, 2022 · For most children and adults, a fever may be uncomfortable. But it usually isn't a cause for concern. For infants, however, even a low fever may mean there's a serious infection.
Nov 26, 2020 · Fevers in Children: How High Is Too High? Fever definition. Newborn to 3 months. 3 months to 3 years. Older than 3 years. Urgent care. Don’t worry. Takeaway. Jimena Roquero/Stocksy United....
Your child has a fever if he or she: Has a rectal, ear or forehead (temporal artery) temperature of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher; Has an oral temperature of 100 F (37.8 C) or higher; Call your doctor if: Your child is younger than 3 months and has a fever; Seek medical care if a child of any age shows any of the following:
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. A few other reasons kids can have a fever:
Typical symptoms include feeling achy, having chills, or a headache. Over-the-counter fever reducers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), can reduce a child’s temperature and help them feel better. Remember, babies under 6 months cannot take ibuprofen – only acetaminophen.
Most fevers in children are caused by viruses. A much smaller number are due to bacterial infections, such as ear infections, strep throat or pneumonia. Prolonged fever, meaning fever for more than a week, or recurring fevers can be a sign of underlying chronic disease, so it is important to check with your child's primary care provider.
Several studies have documented that peak temperature tends to be in the afternoon and is highest at about 18 to 24 months of age when many normal healthy children have a temperature as high as 38.3° C (101° F). However, fever usually is defined as a core body (rectal) temperature ≥ 38.0° C (100.4° F).
