When Is Your Child's Fever Cause for Concern?

If your child feels warm to the touch, it’s one of the first indicators that they have a fever, which means they’re fighting an illness. In many cases, sickness leaves their body in just a few days after much rest, liquids, and a lot of tender love and care. Other times, depending on the severity of the fever, there might be reason for concern.

At Northeast Pediatric Associates PA, we’re a team of physicians who have the expertise and experience to treat your child with the highest level of care. If your child has a fever, how do you know when it’s time to give us a call?

Understanding fevers

Your body’s average normal temperature sits at 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (F). When your child’s immune system recognizes an infection or a threat to the health of their body, it cranks up their body temperature to naturally kill the germs that are attacking you. 

Fevers actually work for your body, not against it. However, if your child’s fever gets too high, it can cause other complications. That’s why you need to know when a fever needs medical attention.

Recognizing the signs of fever in children

As a parent, it’s important to know how to tell when your child has a fever. Symptoms include:

• Chills
• Sweating
• Muscle aches
• Weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Headache
• Dehydration
• Warm to the touch

Several types of thermometers exist on the market today for taking your child’s temperature. It can be taken through their mouth, ear, armpit, forehead, or rectum. Temperatures taken rectally are the most accurate.

How to respond to your child’s fever

Once you know that your child has a fever, paying attention to certain factors can determine whether they need medical attention or not.

When not be concerned

If your child has a fever, you shouldn’t be concerned if they:

• Behave relatively normal
• Eat and drink 
• Have a fever that doesn’t exceed 102° F (for 3 months old up to 3 years)
• Have a low-grade fever (99.6° to 100.3° F) after recent immunizations

Fevers typically go away on their own in a few days.

When to reach out for medical help

If your baby is younger than 2 months old or is a newborn and has a temperature above 100.4° F or below 96° F, you should call our team right away. If your child is older than 3 months and has a fever above 102° F, schedule a sick visit to avoid complications and for peace of mind. 

High fevers can be a cause of concern. To avoid complications, we provide after-hours care so that your child can be seen right away at any time.

When your child is sick with a fever, feel free to contact one of our teams nearest you in San Antonio, Northcentral San Antonio, Schertz, or Castroville, Texas. Schedule an appointment, or simply call with questions. We’re here to give your child the best care possible and get them well.