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101 f fever: How high a fever is too high?

by alexxlab

When to Seek Care for a Fever

A fever (defined as a temperature of 100.4°F or higher) happens when your body is trying to fight off an infection or your immune system becomes activated. The increase in your body temperature signals that something is not quite right with you.

Sometimes a fever comes and goes quickly, other times it lingers, and your temperature fluctuates over time.

Below is a breakdown of when you should contact your doctor or health care provider if you have a fever:

Adults

Numbers that are cause for concern:

  • 105°F – Go to the emergency room
  • 103°F or higher – Contact your health care provider
  • 101°F or higher – If you’re immunocompromised or over 65 years of age, and are concerned that you’ve been exposed to COVID-19, contact your health care provider

Situations that are cause for concern:

  • if you have a fever and it doesn’t go down after taking over-the-counter medications, like ibuprofen
  • if you’ve been in hot temperatures and develop a fever, it could be a sign of a heat stroke
  • if you’ve been in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, you could be at risk for the virus

Call your doctor for medical advice if you experience any of these situations.

Children

Call your child’s pediatrician under the following circumstances:

  • 0-3 months – Your child has a temperature of 100.4°F or higher, with or without symptoms
  • 3-6 months – Your child has a temperature of 100.4°F or higher, plus irritable behavior/sleepiness OR a temperature of 102°F or higher
  • 6-24-months – Your child has a temperature of 102°F for longer than a day AND symptoms such as a rash, cough or diarrhea
  • 2+ years – Your child has a temperature of 100.4°F or higher AND symptoms such as a rash, fatigue, headache, stiff neck, prolonged diarrhea or vomiting

Any age:

  • Your child has a seizure
  • Your child has a temperature of 103°F or higher
  • Any fever that starts after your child has been in hot temperatures (could be a sign of heat stroke)
  • Your child’s fever doesn’t go down after taking over-the-counter medications, like ibuprofen
  • Your child has been in contact with someone who has COVID-19

Next Steps & Resources: 

  • To make an appointment with a doctor near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our physician directory to make an appointment online.
  • Register for telemedicine through HMH Care NOW.

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care

Fever 101 – A guide to kid’s fevers

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Posted: May 09, 2022

Fever in children can be a scary thing for parents, often causing them to wonder if a trip to the emergency room is necessary. Le Bonheur Pediatrician Ruth Patton MD, of Pediatric Consultants, shares the advice she often gives parents when their child feels feverish.

“Don’t panic,” says Dr. Patton. “Know that fever is the body’s natural reaction to infection.

Dr. Patton offers three important questions to ask yourself when your child has a high temperature:

  1. Is your child’s breathing labored?
  2. Is your child drinking less or experiencing decreased urine output?
  3. Is your child crying inconsolably?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, it’s best to call your pediatrician’s office, no matter your child’s degree of fever.

Dr. Patton stresses that if you have an infant younger than 2 months with a rectal temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, you need to call your pediatrician immediately. Fever in newborns does require an exam, as newborns have immature immunity and are more susceptible to serious illness.

Even if your child does not show signs of serious illness, a fever can make him or her uncomfortable. To make your child as comfortable as possible, you can provide temporary relief by administering a dosage of acetaminophen or ibuprofen if he or she is 6 months or older. Most children with a temperature lower than 101 degrees Fahrenheit may not need medication, but if you notice that your child is uncomfortable, it won’t hurt to give them an over-the-counter medicine. You should also keep your child dressed in light clothing, keep the house at a comfortable temperature, offer plenty of fluids and make sure they rest.

Knowing your child’s normal behavior and the symptoms that are accompanying the fever is the most important information for you to consider. As long as you don’t notice any of the three red flags, a trip to the doctor’s office probably isn’t necessary. Just remember to monitor your child closely. If the fever has not reduced after 24 hours on medication, call your child’s pediatrician.

What temperature is a fever?

100.4 degrees Fahrenheit measured rectally, orally, temporally (forehead) or tympanically (ear).

What ‘is’ a fever?

Fever is the body’s natural defense against infection.

When should I call the doctor?

Call your pediatrician if you have an infant younger than 2 months with a rectal temperature of 100.4F or if your child is experiencing any of the following:

  • Labored breathing
  • Inconsolable crying
  • Decreased drinking or urine output

You should also call your doctor if you have a child with a temperature higher than 104 degrees Fahrenheit or temperature does not respond to medication.

What should I do if my child has a temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit but is acting normally?

If your child is not exhibiting any of the behavioral red flags, give your child a dosage of acetaminophen or ibuprofen if he or she is at least 6 months old. Continue to monitor your child’s behavior and call the doctor if the fever has not gone down after 24 hours with medication.

What type of thermometer and method gives the most accurate temperature reading?

A digital thermometer administered rectally will give you the most accurate temperature.

Authored by:

Ruth Patton, MD

Le Bonheur Pediatrician

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