You should see a doctor if your child’s fever is very high, lasts more than a couple of days, or comes with worrying symptoms like unusual sleepiness, trouble breathing, dehydration, or a stiff neck. For infants under 3 months, a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher should always be treated as urgent, so call a doctor right away. Most fevers in older children are the body’s normal response to infection and resolve on their own, but knowing the warning signs helps you act with confidence.
What Counts as a Fever
A fever is generally a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. On its own, a fever is a sign the body is fighting an infection, not a disease. How your child looks and acts often matters more than the exact number on the thermometer.
When to Call a Doctor, by Age
- Under 3 months: Any fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher needs prompt medical attention. Call a doctor or seek care immediately.
- 3 to 6 months: Call your doctor if the fever reaches 102°F (38.9°C), or lower if your baby seems unusually irritable, sluggish, or uncomfortable.
- 6 months and older: Use behavior as your guide. A child who is drinking, alert, and playing between fever spikes can often be watched at home. Call if the fever climbs high, lingers, or your child seems unwell.
Call Your Doctor If
- The fever lasts more than 2 to 3 days, or keeps returning.
- Your child is far less active than usual, very fussy, or hard to wake.
- They are not drinking fluids or show signs of dehydration (few wet diapers, no tears, dry mouth).
- The fever is paired with an earache, sore throat, rash, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Seek Emergency Care Right Away If
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if your child has trouble breathing, blue lips or face, a stiff neck, a severe headache, a seizure, a rash that does not fade when pressed, or is unresponsive or extremely difficult to wake. These are signs that need immediate evaluation.
Comfort Measures for a Mild Fever
For an otherwise alert child, focus on comfort: offer plenty of fluids, dress them in light clothing, and let them rest. Your doctor or pharmacist can guide you on appropriate fever-reducing medication and dosing for your child’s age and weight. Never give aspirin to children.
Same-Day Sick Visits in Evans, GA
If you are in Evans, GA, Evans Medical Group offers same-day sick visits for children and a Saturday morning walk-in sick clinic from 8 to 11 AM. The practice’s board-certified physicians can evaluate your child’s fever, find the cause, and put your mind at ease. Call (706) 868-3100 to be seen.
This article is general information and not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are concerned about your child, contact your doctor. In an emergency, call 911.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature is considered a fever in children?
A fever is generally a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, measured with a reliable thermometer.
When is a child’s fever an emergency?
Seek emergency care if your child has trouble breathing, a seizure, a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade under pressure, blue lips, or is unresponsive. For babies under 3 months, any fever of 100.4°F or higher should be treated urgently.
How long is it safe to let a fever run before seeing a doctor?
For older children who are drinking, alert, and behaving fairly normally, a fever can often be watched for a couple of days. Call your doctor if it lasts more than 2 to 3 days, keeps returning, or is paired with other symptoms.
Can I bring my child in the same day for a fever in Evans, GA?
Yes. Evans Medical Group offers same-day sick visits and a Saturday walk-in sick clinic from 8 to 11 AM. Call (706) 868-3100 to arrange a visit.
Should I treat the fever or just the discomfort?
The goal is comfort, not a perfect temperature. If your child is resting and drinking, treatment may not be needed. Ask your doctor about appropriate medication, and never give aspirin to children.