When should you worry about your child's fever?
In this article:
- Fever in kids can be anxiety-provoking for parents, but most of the time it need not be a significant source of worry.
- Very young infants three months of age or younger with a fever should be seen in a clinic or emergency department right away.
- Watch the short video for more advice from Elizabeth Meade, M.D., pediatric medical director at Providence Swedish, for tips on managing a sick child's fever.
It's common to worry when your sick child spikes a fever, but most fevers are usually nothing to fear. In fact, a fever is a natural way the body fights infection, showing that the immune system is doing its job. There are times, however, that we do need to be concerned and seek treatment for a sick youngster. Elizabeth Meade, M.D., pediatric medical director at Providence Swedish (and a mom), explains.
"A fever is defined as a temperature over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. For older infants and children, fevers are typically not serious, especially once they’ve had their first vaccines, which help protect against dangerous infections," Dr. Meade advises. "However, there are some situations where parents should take extra precautions."
"If a baby under three months has a fever over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, they need to be seen by a healthcare clinician right away — either at a pediatric clinic or the emergency room if the clinic is closed. For older children, parents should seek medical care if a fever lasts more than 10 to 14 days, doesn’t go down with fever-reducing medicine, or if the child seems very tired, irritable, or just not themselves."
Additionally, Dr. Meade advises that fever-reducing medicines should only be used when a child feels uncomfortable. If the child is in good spirits despite the fever, there’s no need to treat it.
Watch the short video below to learn more from Dr. Meade about managing fevers and keeping your little ones as comfortable as possible when they're under the weather.
Learn more and find a physician or advanced practice clinician (APC)
If you have questions about vaccinations or your child’s wellness health, Swedish Pediatrics can help. If your kids aren’t up to date on immunizations, particularly the measles vaccine, call their pediatrician today to schedule a visit.
You can contact Swedish Primary Care to schedule an appointment with a primary care physician or advanced care clinician. If you or a child has symptoms, you can connect virtually with a member of your care team who can review the symptoms, provide instruction and follow up as needed. With Swedish ExpressCare Virtual you can receive treatment in minutes for common conditions such as colds, flu, urinary tract infections, and more. If you don’t have a doctor, use our provider directory to find a specialist or primary care physician near you.
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Additional resources
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This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.