When to Call the Pediatrician: Fever

When to call the doctor

The most important things you can do when your child has a fever are to improve your child’s comfort by making sure they drink enough fluids to stay hydrated and monitor for signs and symptoms of a serious illness. It is a good sign if your child plays and interacts with you after receiving medicine for discomfort.

Call your child’s doctor right away if your child has a fever and

• Looks very ill, is unusually drowsy, or is very fussy
• Has been in a very hot place, such as an overheated car
• Has other symptoms, such as a stiff neck, severe headache, severe sore throat, severe ear pain, an unexplained rash, or repeated vomiting or diarrhea
• Has immune system problems, such as sickle cell disease or cancer, or is taking steroids
• Has had a seizure
• Is younger than 3 months (12 weeks) and has a temperature of 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher
• Fever rises above 104°F (40°C) repeatedly for a child of any age

Also call your child’s doctor if

• Your child still “acts sick” once his fever is brought down.
• Your child seems to be getting worse.
• The fever persists for more than 24 hours in a child younger than 2 years.
• The fever persists for more than 3 days (72 hours) in a child 2 years of age or older.