Urinary Problems and Injuries, Age 11 and Younger

When To See a Doctor

You have answered Yes to:

Does your child older than age 3 months have a fever?


See significance of fever in a child older than 3 months of age 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:
  • The guidelines below use rectal temperatures.
  • A child has a fever when his or her temperature is 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, measured rectally.
  • For information about taking accurate temperatures in babies and children, see the topic Body Temperature.
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Call your child's health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Has your child had an operation or other medical procedure in the past 2 weeks?

Yes

Does your child have a medical condition or take a medicine that affects the immune system?


Yellow telephone logo

Call your child's health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Does your child have a temperature of 104°F (40°C) or higher?

Yes

Do you think that your child has a high fever, but you are unable to measure his or her temperature?

Yes

Has your child had a temperature of 102°F (39°C) to 104°F (40°C) after 12 hours of home treatment and medicine?

Yes

Do you think that your child still has a moderate to high fever after 12 hours of home treatment or medicine, but you are unable to measure his or her temperature?

Yes

Does your child have a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher with any other symptoms of a UTI?

Yes

Do you think that your child has a fever with any other symptoms of a UTI, but you are unable to measure his or her temperature?

Yes


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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) to 102°F (39°C) for 24 hours or longer?

Yes

Has your child had a fever off and on for 24 to 48 hours?

Yes

Do you think your child has had a mild to moderate fever off and on for 24 to 48 hours, but you are unable to measure his or her temperature?


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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 and other symptoms of illness?

Yes

Does your child have frequent fevers without an obvious cause?


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, BSLast Updated: April 30, 2007
Medical Review: Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics
Peter Anderson, MD, FRCS(C) - Pediatric Urology

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