Fever, Age 3 and Younger
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Does your child age 3 months to 3 years have ongoing or frequent fevers?
See significance of ongoing or frequent fevers if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your child's symptoms.
Note:
- If you are not able to measure your child's temperature, look for other symptoms of illness. Remember, fever is only a symptom, and often the importance of a fever can only be determined when other symptoms are evaluated.
- It is not unusual for a young child to have 7 to 10 viral infections in a year. Each new viral infection may cause a fever. It may seem that a fever is ongoing, but if 48 hours have passed between fevers, then the new fever is most likely from a new illness.
You may wait to see if your child's symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Has your child had a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) for 24 to 48 hours that came down for a short time after medicine was given but returned after the medicine effect was gone?
Yes Do you think your child has had a mild fever for 24 to 48 hours that came down for a short time after medicine is given but returned after the medicine effect was gone?
Your child needs an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Does your child have frequent fevers that do not seem to be caused by a viral illness, such as a cold?
Yes Does your child have frequent fevers and no other symptoms of illness?
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: April 24, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics | |
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