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Jun 1, 2020 · Your child has a fever greater than 102° F (or 39° C). It’s probably nothing serious, but it’s worth checking in with a doctor or nurse to go through things and see if a visit to the office or emergency room makes sense.
- 4 Blackfan Circle, 4th Floor, Boston, 02115, MA
- hhp_info@health.harvard.edu
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- Myth #1: The Higher The Temperature, The More Serious The Illness
- Myth #2: For True Accuracy, only A Rectal Temperature Will Do
- Myth #3: Ear and Forehead Thermometers Are as Accurate as Digital Thermometers
- H #4: The only Normal Temperature Is 98.6°F
- Myth #5: A High Fever Will Cause Seizures
Truth:A high temperature may indicate a serious illness in teens and adults, but not always in children 12 and under. A child’s immune system isn’t as finely tuned, so it attacks every germ at full force. That’s why children can get a high fever due to a simple cold while adults typically don’t. “More important than the number on the thermometer is...
Truth:Taking a rectal temperature isn’t always necessary. Rectal temperatures are most accurate but don’t fret about getting one in older children, advises Dr. Klein. They are most important in the first six months. “It’s certainly easier to place the thermometerin your child’s armpit,” she says. “It will stay put as you hold your child.” The armpi...
Truth:Tympanic (ear) and temporal (forehead) thermometers aren’t as reliable as digital multiuse thermometers. Their readings can be skewed by external temperatures. A digital multiuse thermometer is the only kind you need. “They’re inexpensive, they’re fast and they’re easy to use,” says Dr. Klein. As for pacifier thermometers and forehead strips?...
Truth:100°F may not be a fever. The well-known 98.6°, is a normal temperature taken by mouth. An underarm temperature may be about one degree lower. A rectal temperature may be about one degree higher. “Your temperature also changes throughout the day, due to hormone cycles,” says Dr. Klein. “While rectal temperature stays the steadiest, axillary a...
Truth: Contrary to popular belief, a high fever will not cause seizures. Febrile seizures are not caused by high fever, says Dr. Klein. They’re caused by a sudden elevation in temperature (even if just increasing from 98.6 to 101°F ). “You don’t need to reduce fever to prevent seizures,” she says. “Children can have febrile seizures before you even...
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Dec 30, 2022 · FACT. Fevers turn on the body's immune system. They help the body fight infection. Normal fevers between 100° and 104° F (37.8° - 40° C) are good for sick children. MYTH. Fevers above 104° F (40° C) are dangerous. They can cause brain damage. FACT. Fevers with infections don't cause brain damage.
Apr 30, 2024 · In a child over 4 months, fevers of up to 104 F shouldn’t cause alarm. A mild fever that lasts up to five days is OK for most kids. A fever that doesn’t affect your child too much
May 22, 2023 · Fever means a body temperature of 100.4° F (38°C) or higher. High fever in adults. While any temperature above your normal temperature range is considered a fever, there are different levels of fever severity: Low-grade: 99.1 to 100.4 F (37.3 to 38.0 C) Moderate-grade: 100.6 to 102.2 F (38.1 to 39.0 C) High-grade: 102.4 to 105.8 F (39.1 to 41 C).
- 4 Blackfan Circle, 4th Floor, Boston, 02115, MA
- hhp_info@health.harvard.edu
- (877) 649-9457
May 7, 2022 · Overview. A fever is a temporary rise in body temperature. It's one part of an overall response from the body's immune system. A fever is usually caused by an infection. 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.
Your child is 3 months old or younger and has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. Get medical care right away. Fever in a young baby can be a sign of a dangerous infection. Your child is of any age and has repeated fevers above 104°F (40°C). Your child is younger than 2 years of age and a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) continues for more than 1 ...
