For Parents & Families
Fever in Children
🌡️ What Is a Fever?
A fever is your child’s natural response to infection. It raises body temperature to help fight off viruses and bacteria. Most fevers are caused by common colds or viral illnesses — and they’re not always dangerous.
📊 What Counts as a Fever?
| Method | Fever |
|---|---|
| Rectal | ≥ 100.4°F (38°C) |
| Oral | ≥ 100.0°F (37.8°C) |
| Forehead | ≥ 100.4°F (38°C) |
| Underarm | ≥ 99.0°F (37.2°C) |
Tip: use rectal readings for infants under 1 year.
🦠 What Causes Fever?
- Viral infections (cold, flu, RSV, COVID-19)
- Bacterial infections (ear infection, UTI, strep)
- Post-vaccine response (mild and short)
- Overheating — rare, not illness-related
⚠️ When Is Fever Concerning?
- Under 3 months old with ≥ 100.4°F
- Fever lasting more than 72 hours
- Not drinking fluids, signs of dehydration
- Very sleepy, floppy, or hard to wake
- Blue lips, trouble breathing, or seizure
💊 Do I Need to Treat the Fever?
If your child is drinking, playing, and fairly normal, it’s okay to watch and wait.
Use fever medicine if:
- Your child is uncomfortable or in pain
- Fever is over 102°F and interfering with rest
Options: acetaminophen (2+ months) or ibuprofen (6+ months).
👀 What Matters Most: Behavior
| Normal | Concerning |
|---|---|
| Drinking well | Not drinking/peeing |
| Alert, responsive | Lethargic or floppy |
| Fever lowers with meds | Stays high after meds |
| Improving | Worsening after 3 days |
Trust your instincts. If your child seems off, check in with your provider.
Fever Myths vs. Facts
MythA fever over 100°F is dangerous
FactFever under 105°F is usually safe — it’s a natural immune response.
MythYou must treat every fever with medicine
FactOnly treat if your child is uncomfortable or not drinking — not just based on temperature.
MythFevers always mean a bacterial infection
FactMost fevers in children are caused by viruses, not bacteria.
MythHigh fevers cause brain damage
FactThe brain is protected — fever itself doesn’t cause brain damage.
MythYou should wake your child to give fever medicine
FactLet them sleep — rest helps recovery more than reducing the fever.
MythBundle them up to sweat out a fever
FactDress them lightly — overheating can make a fever worse.
MythYou can’t use ibuprofen and acetaminophen together
FactYou can alternate them if advised by your provider. Just track doses carefully.
MythIf the fever doesn’t go away in 24 hours, it’s serious
FactViral fevers can last 2–3 days. Call your provider if it lasts beyond 72 hours.
MythThe higher the fever, the worse the illness
FactThe number doesn’t always match severity — behavior matters more.
MythFebrile seizures mean epilepsy
FactFebrile seizures are common and usually harmless in young children.