When to take your child to the ER for a fever | HealthONE (2024)

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When to take your child to the ER for a fever | HealthONE? ›

For babies and toddlers between the age of 3 months and 3 years, visit the pediatric ER if the child's temperature is above 102.2 degrees, or if the child is displaying these symptoms: Difficulty waking up. Not urinating. Unable to keep fluids down.

If your child is 3 or older, visit the pediatric ER if the child's temperature is over 102 degrees for two or more days. You should also seek emergency care if the fever is accompanied by any of these symptoms: Abdominal pain. Difficulty breathing or swallowing.

In general, call the doctor if your child is: younger than 3 months old with a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. 3 months or older with a temperature higher than 102.2°F (39°C) any age but has a health problem like cancer or sickle cell disease and has a fever.

When to get urgent medical advice. Contact your GP urgently, if your child: is under three months old and has a temperature of 38 °C (100.4 F) or above. is between three and six months old and has a temperature of 39 °C (102.2 F) or above.

For all kids three years and older, a fever of 103 degrees or higher means it is time to call Pediatrics East. If a fever of 102 degrees or higher lasts for more than two days, please give us a call, too.

Call your child's doctor right away for: A fever that lasts more than four to five days. A fever (over 100.4) in a newborn younger than 2 months old. If you can't reach your doctor, go to the emergency department.

Medications: In most cases, antipyretic medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen will be administered to lower the fever. Fluids: Hydration is important in fever management, so intravenous fluids may be given to maintain the person's fluid balance.

Also call your child's doctor if:

Your child seems to be getting worse. The fever persists for more than 24 hours in a child younger than 2 years. The fever persists for more than 3 days (72 hours) in a child 2 years of age or older.

But the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) stresses that fever itself is usually not a problem. In fact, it can be helpful. Fever is a sign that the body is combating an infection.

Most fevers caused by a viral infection last for 2 or 3 days. Your child can return to school or day care once they have not had a fever for 24 hours (without having taken a medicine to reduce the fever during those 24 hours.) They should feel well enough to take part in normal activities.

What room temp is too high for a child? ›

You don't want your baby's room to be either too hot or too cold. It's recommended that the best temperature for babies is between 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit or 20 to 22 degrees Celsius.

Any fever less than 105 degrees Fahrenheit won't be harmful. Fever becomes worrisome if the child is not responding normally, has seizures, has an underlying chronic condition, or has a fever of above 104 degrees Fahrenheit that lasts for longer than three days.

Contact your GP if:

Your child: is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38°C (101°F) or above. is over 3 months and has a temperature of 39°C (102°F) or above.

For babies and toddlers between the age of 3 months and 3 years, visit the pediatric ER if the child's temperature is above 102.2 degrees, or if the child is displaying these symptoms: Difficulty waking up. Not urinating. Unable to keep fluids down.

Fever itself is not considered dangerous as it is one way the body fights against infection. However, fever is considered dangerous in adults when your body temperature is greater than 105.8˚F. A temperature that high can be damaging to body organs and particularly dangerous for someone with a heart or lung disorder.

Adults should seek medical attention if their fever has lasted longer than three days at a temperature of 103 or more. An adult should not treat a fever that is 102 or less unless otherwise instructed by a doctor. A doctor may advise taking ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Call the doctor if the fever doesn't respond to the medication or lasts longer than one day. Encourage your child to rest and drink plenty of fluids. Medication isn't needed. Call the doctor if your child seems unusually irritable or lethargic or complains of significant discomfort.

Offer plenty of liquids to avoid dehydration. Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen based on the doctor's recommendations. Do not give aspirin to your child or teen as it's linked to a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome. Never use rubbing alcohol or cold baths to bring the fever down.

In babies and children older than 3 months, a fever is a temperature greater than 101.5°F. Call your doctor if your child's temperature reaches 102.2°F or higher. Most fevers go away in a couple of days.