When to Take Your Child to the Doctor for a Fever
Thursday, March 10th, 2022, 7:51 am
As a parent, it can be stressful to see your child come down with a fever. While there are several possible reasons for a fever in children, it’s generally caused by infection.
Understanding when to take your child to the doctor for fever can help diffuse fear and ensure that your child gets the proper medical care.
When To Call The Doctor For a Fever
If your child has a fever (a temperature over 100.4℉), you should contact your doctor if:
- Your child’s temperature reaches 104℉ or higher.
- Your child’s fever lasts more than 72 hours.
- Your child has a seizure.
- Your child’s fever is accompanied by other symptoms including severe headache, severe sore throat, stiff neck, rash, or ear pain
- Your child is unresponsive, doesn’t seem like themselves, and/or isn’t eating or drinking
If your child is under 3 months old, you should contact your pediatrician about a fever of 100.4℉ or higher, a fever that lasts more than 24 hours, and a fever that develops quickly. In infants, a fever may be the only sign of a serious ailment.
When You Don’t Need To Call The Doctor For a Fever
There are many instances in which you don’t need to worry or contact your doctor about your child’s fever. If your child is older than 3 months, a temperature of 102.5℉ isn’t something to worry about, especially if your child is still eating, drinking, and generally being themselves.
Additionally, if your child recently received immunizations, it’s normal for them to have a low-grade fever for up to 48 hours. A low-grade fever is between 99.6℉ and 100.3℉.
At Suncoast Urgent Care, our team includes Emergency Medicine Board Certified physicians and Family Practice providers with extensive experience in pediatric fever. If your child comes down with a fever, you can walk into our clinic for prompt care – no appointment needed. Contact us today to learn more.
Category: Suncoast Urgent Care in the Community