103.7 fever: How high a fever is too high?
Fever Chart Guide – When to Go to the ER | CHOC
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Fever is a common symptom in kids and can occur when a child’s body is responding to an infection, or as a result of an inflammatory process. A fever occurs when the body’s internal temperature rises above its normal level. Pediatricians usually consider a fever to be a temperature of 100.4°F or above (when taken rectally). A child’s body temperature will change naturally throughout the day. Although fevers are often a sign of a good response to an infection, knowing whether a fever requires medical attention can feel overwhelming for parents. In this guide, you’ll get all the information needed to decide how to best help your baby, infant or child when they have a fever.
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Child temperature chart quick guide
| Child or infant’s age and method | Child or infant’s temperature | Where to take child or infant for care to treat fever |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month or younger (rectal) | 100. 4°F (38°C) or higher |
|
| 1 – 3 months (rectal) | 100.4°F (38°C) or higher |
|
| 3 months or older (rectal, oral or underarm) | 102.2°F 102.3°F 102.4°F 102.5°F 102.6°F 102.7°F 102.8°F 102.9°F 103°F 103.1°F 103.2°F 103.3°F 103.4°F 103.5°F 103.6°F 103.7°F 103.8°F 103.9°F 104°F |
|
| 3 months or older (rectal, oral or underarm) | 105°F (40.5°C) or above |
|
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If you think your child might have a fever from a COVID-19 infection, please schedule a testing appointment.
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How to lower (break) a child’s fever
When a child’s fever is not emergent, the first goal should be to reduce the fever.
Medicine, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, is usually the fastest and most effective way to lower a kid’s fever. Infants and babies younger than 2 months old should not be given medicine for fever without a pediatrician’s visit.
How to reduce a child’s fever naturally
While medicine can be the most effective way to lower a fever, there are other methods that can be used alongside medication to help a child’s body fight their fever and keep them comfortable.
Food and drinks
Kids with fevers can lose fluids faster than usual and easily become dehydrated. Offer them plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration and avoid liquids with caffeine and high sugars, as these can worsen dehydration by causing urination and/or diarrhea. Appropriate drinks/foods include water, electrolyte beverages, soup, ice pops, and gelatin. Read our hydration guide for more info.
Rest
When a child has a fever, it’s best for them to stay home and get plenty of rest.
While they don’t have to stay in bed all day, they should take it easy. Read our blog for sick day activity ideas.
Be cautious with sponging and baths
While sponging and bathing can help comfort a child with a fever, these methods are not recommended to treat a child’s fever. Baths only help cool a child while they’re in the water, but fevers may immediately return after they get out. If a bath helps comfort your child, be sure to use body temperature water. Anything cooler can lower their temperature too quickly. Couple this with medication to focus on eliminating the fever. Do not use alcohol baths at all.
Don’t bundle up
When a child has a fever, their higher internal temperature may make them feel cold or shiver. However, it’s important to make sure to not overdress or over-bundle a child, as this can prevent body heat from escaping — which is important to reduce their fever. Dress them in lightweight clothing and only use a light blanket or sheet in bed.
Featured article
Acetaminophen vs. ibuprofen and how to administer both safely
When to seek expert care for fevers in children
When to call a doctor for a fever?
Newborn: Under 1 month
- Has a rectal temperature of 100.4 °F (38°C) or above.
- Infants under 1 month should be taken to the emergency department right away.
Infant: Under 3 months
- Has a rectal temperature of 100.4 °F (38°C) or above.
- Infants 1-3 months with a temperature should be seen by a pediatrician. If your child cannot be seen by a pediatrician right away, visit your closest emergency department.
Child: Over 3 months
- Has a temperature between 102.2 °F (39°C) and 104 °F (40°C).
- Has a fever lower than 102.2 °F PLUS:
- Refuses fluids or is too ill to drink.
- Has lasting diarrhea or vomiting.
- Shows signs of dehydration.
- Complains of sore throat or earache.
- Your child has a separate chronic medical problem.
- Has a rash.
- Experiences pain when peeing.
Always call the doctor when:
- Fever lasts over 24 hours in children under 2 years old.
- Fever lasts over 72 hours in kids older than 2 years.
- Your child gets sicker despite their fever breaking.
- A fever doesn’t decrease (expect 1-2 degrees) after using fever-reducing medicine.
Call primary care provider or specialist
When should I take my child to urgent care for a fever?
Parents should take their child to urgent care for a fever when their symptoms require a call to the doctor (see ‘When should I call my child’s doctor for a fever?’ above) but you’re unable to reach a pediatrician or schedule an appointment. Infants under 3 months are the exception to this general guideline, as they should be seen in an emergency department if they can’t see a pediatrician.
If your baby under 3 months old has a rectal temperature of 100.4 °F (38°C) or above and you can’t reach their pediatrician, skip urgent care and head directly to the nearest emergency department.
When your child is experiencing a non-life-threatening fever, calling a pediatrician is always the best first step. Do not take a child to urgent care when they are experiencing life-threatening symptoms. Head directly to your nearest emergency department or call 911 (see ‘When should I take my child to the hospital emergency department for a fever?’ below).
Find an urgent care
When should I take my child to the emergency department for a fever?
Emergency departments are equipped for the most complex or critical needs. Fever requires a visit to the emergency department when:
- An infant less than 28 days old has a fever of 100.4 or more
- A child’s fever is at 105°F (40.5°C) and doesn’t decrease 1-2 degrees after taking fever-reducing medicine.
- A child’s fever is above 105°F (40.5°C).
Children should also be taken to the emergency department if they have a fever of any temperature and are also experiencing:
- Non-stop crying
- A bulging or sunken in soft spot (in infants)
- Extreme irritability or fussiness
- Sluggishness or trouble waking up
- A rash or purple bruise-like spots that didn’t exist before the sickness
- Blue lips, tongue or nails
- A stiff neck
- Severe headache
- Limpness
- Trouble breathing
- Seizures
- Moderate to severe belly pain
Get directions to the emergency department
Tips to help assess the severity of a child’s fever
Fevers can occur as a response to a variety of conditions and do not always mean a child has a serious illness. It can feel challenging to know when to be concerned about your child’s fever. Below are some general tips to help guide you in deciding the severity of fever:
Accurate temperature
Make sure you take a child’s temperature accurately.
Start by using a reliable digital thermometer and placing it in the right area (orally, rectally, or under the arm).
Age
Consider your child’s age along with their symptoms. If they are an infant 3 months or younger and have a rectal temperature of 100.4°F or higher, call your doctor or go to the emergency department immediately. If your child is between 3 months and 3 years old and has a fever of 102.2°F or higher, call your doctor. For older kids, take behavior and activity level into account. Watching their actions can help you decide if the illness is serious and should be checked out by a doctor.
Behavior
If your child is over 3 years old and they continue to play, eat and drink well, remain alert and smiling, have a normal skin color and their temperature comes down, their fever is likely no cause for concern.
How to take a child’s temperature accurately
Your child’s age determines how you should take their temperature. The best options include rectal (the most accurate), underarm or oral.
Ear thermometers are not recommended.
- Infants from birth to 3 months old should have their temperature taken rectally with a digital rectal thermometer.
- Kids younger than 4 or 5 years old should have their temperature taken under the armpit, also known as axillary temperature.
- Children older than 4 or 5 years old can have their temperature taken orally, by holding the thermometer under their tongue.
Give me more temperature-taking tips
Tips for taking an oral temperature
(for children older than 4 or 5):
- Wait for 20 to 30 minutes after the child finishes eating or drinking
- Place the tip of the thermometer under the tongue toward the back and have them hold it with their lips
- Remind your child not to bite down or talk
- Wait until the thermometer beeps to remove
Tips for taking underarm temperature
(for children 3 months to 4 or 5 years):
- Remove your child’s shirt and place a thermometer under the armpit (must be touching the skin)
- Fold the arm across the chest to hold the thermometer in place
- Wait until the thermometer beeps to remove
Tips for taking a rectal temperature
(for infants under 3 months):
- Wash the end of the thermometer with soap and cool water
- Apply a small amount of lubricant (petroleum jelly) to the end of the thermometer
- Insert the thermometer into the child’s anal opening about ½ inch to 1 inch, or until the tip is not visible
- Steady the thermometer between your second and third fingers while cupping your hand against your child’s bottom
- Wait until the thermometer beeps to remove
What is a fever?
A fever occurs when the body’s internal temperature rises above its normal level.
Pediatricians agree that temperatures of 100.4°F or above (measured rectally) are considered fevers. Most children’s body temperatures change during the day, especially as they play. While a fever can be alarming, it usually causes no harm and can be a good sign that the body is able to fight infection.
Body temperature is controlled in the part of the brain called the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus knows the body temperature should be around 98.6°F and sends signals to the body to keep that temperature. When there is an infection, the hypothalamus will signal the body to raise the temperature. Most researchers believe this is done to create a less comfortable place for germs.
Fevers are classified based on how a child’s temperature is taken.
- 100°F when measured orally
- 100.4°F when measured rectally
- 99°F when measured under the arm
What causes a fever in children?
A fever is usually a sign or symptom of an illness or other underlying issue.
While fevers can have many causes, there are a few common culprits:
- Infections: A fever is a sign that the body is responding to an infection or other process that causes inflammation. Common infections that cause fevers include bacterial and viral infections, such as flu, colds, earaches, strep throat, etc. Most fevers that result from the body fighting infections only last for a few days.
- Chronic diseases: When fevers last for more than a week or are recurring, they can be a sign of underlying diseases.
- Immunizations: After vaccinations like the flu shot, some kids will experience a low fever.
Common symptoms experienced during fevers
Besides having an elevated temperature, you can sometimes notice a fever through related visual symptoms like:
- Chills/shivering
- Body aches
- Headaches
- Sweating
- Hot skin
- Flushed appearance
- Fatigue/crankiness
- Loss of appetite
Call CHOC for guidance
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m. to 11 p.m., Monday – Friday to address questions about your child’s health.
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More information about fevers in children
The guidance on this page has been clinically reviewed by CHOC pediatric experts.
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The contents of this webpage, including text, graphics, audio files, and videos (“Materials”), are for your general information only. The Materials are not intended to substitute qualified professional or medical advice, diagnoses, or treatments. CHOC does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, or other information that may be mentioned on or linked to this webpage. Always call your physician or another qualified health provider if you have any questions or problems.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the nearest emergency department, or call 911.
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Fevers | DrGreene
Dr. Greene’s Answer:
Not very long ago — when my parents were children — a high fever in a child could mean there was a serious, untreatable condition. Today, most of the devastating illnesses causing these high fevers are either treatable (thanks largely to antibiotics), or better yet preventable (thanks largely to vaccines). Nevertheless, for generation after generation on our planet, a high fever in a child was a chilling terror to the parents. Fever as an enemy is deeply ingrained in our cultural memory.
I was surprised to learn in medical school that fever, far from being an enemy, is an important part of the body’s defense against infection. While a fever in a child signals to us that a battle might be going on in a child’s body, the fever is fighting for the child, not against.
Causes of Fevers
Most bacteria and viruses that cause infections in humans thrive best at 98.6 degrees F (37C). Raising the temperature a few degrees can give the body the winning edge. In addition, a fever activates the body’s immune system, accelerating the production of white blood cells, antibodies, and many other infection-fighting agents.
Cold-blooded animals adjust their temperatures by moving to a different spot. While a medical student, I sat fascinated as I learned that lizards, when infected, will move to a warmer place to give themselves a fever. If they are prevented from finding a warmer spot, they will likely die.
How many infections are too many?
Fevers and Brain Damage
Many parents fear that fevers will cause brain damage. Brain damage from a fever will not occur unless the fever is over 107.6 degrees F (42C) for an extended period of time. Many also fear that untreated fevers will keep going higher and higher, up to 107 degrees F or even more.
Untreated fevers caused by infection will seldom go over 105 degrees unless the child is overdressed or trapped in a hot place. The brain’s thermostat will stop the fever from climbing above 106 degrees F. Some parents fear that fevers will cause seizures. For the great majority of children this is not the case. About 2.5% of young children, though, will sometimes have seizures with fever. These febrile seizures are caused by rapid increase in temperature, not necessarily by the height of the temperature. Once a child already has a high fever, a febrile seizure is unlikely with the current illness. In any event, simple febrile seizures are over in moments without lasting consequences.
What Temperature Constitutes a Fever?
While 98.6 degrees F is considered the normal core body temperature, this value varies between individuals and throughout the day. The daily variation is minimal in children less than six months of age, about 1 degree in children 6 months to 2 years old, and gradually increases to 2 degrees per day by age six.
A person’s baseline temperature is usually highest in the evening.
Body temperature, especially in children, is normally raised by physical activity, strong emotion, eating, heavy clothing, elevated room temperature, and elevated humidity. A rectal temperature up to 100.4 degrees F (38C) may be entirely normal (no fever). A rectal temperature of 100.5 or above should be considered a fever. Lower values might be a fever, depending on the child.
So where is the best spot to measure your child’s temperature? This depends on the age and level of cooperativity of your child. For an infant or child who cannot hold a thermometer under their tongue, an ear measurement will provide a good starting place and is accurate if done properly. However, it may need to be confirmed by a rectal temperature if there is concern that the child is seriously ill. For older children, measuring under the tongue (oral temperature) provides a good accurate measurement of body temperature. And although you may have a parent’s intuition about fever (which can often be correct!) it is not accurate to measure temperature by feeling a child’s forehead.
This method is highly dependent on your own temperature. Pacifier thermometers and fever strips on the forehead are okay for screening, but are not accurate enough for measuring a true fever.
When and How to Treat Fevers in Children
A fever does not necessarily need to be treated. If a child is playful and comfortable, drinking plenty of fluids, and able to sleep, fever treatment is not likely to be helpful. Steps should be taken to lower a fever if the child is uncomfortable, vomiting, dehydrated, or having difficulty sleeping. The goal is to bring the temperature between about 100 and 102 degrees F — not to eliminate the fever.
When trying to reduce a fever, first remove excess clothing or blankets. The environment should be comfortably cool (one layer of lightweight clothing, and one lightweight blanket to sleep). Two medicines are useful for reducing fever in children: acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Children’s Advil or Motrin). Acetaminophen is given every 4-6 hours, and works by turning down the brain’s thermostat.
Ibuprofen is given every 6-8 hours and helps fight the inflammation at the source of the fever. It is not approved for children under 6 months. Both medicines may be given for stubborn fevers, but be very careful about using the correct dose of each. Do not use any anti-fever medications for children under three months of age without first having the child examined by a physician.
A lukewarm bath or sponge bath may help cool a febrile child (after medication is given — otherwise the temperature bounces right back up). Cold baths or alcohol rubs cool the skin, but often make the situation worse by causing shivering, which raises the core body temperature.
During a fever, it is also very important to keep your child well hydrated. Children may not be hungry and that is okay, but you should ensure they get adequate fluids in the form of water, breastmilk, or formula. You may also offer things like popsicles, broth, and oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte to help with hydration.
If your child is refusing any form of hydration for a couple of hours, it is worth a call or visit to your pediatrician.
Fever is a signal that something is going on in your child. Usually, this is a minor illness, but it can be a serious infection, such as meningitis. Any child less than 90 days old with a fever >100.4 degrees F should be examined by a physician right away, to rule out a serious infection. Children of any age who have a fever >104 degrees F should also be seen, unless the fever comes down readily with treatment and the child is comfortable. Any child who has a fever and is very irritable, confused, has difficulty breathing, has a stiff neck, won’t move an arm or leg, or who has a seizure should also be seen right away. Also, if you have serious concerns about your child’s condition for any reason, do not hesitate to contact your pediatrician or to seek medical attention for your child.
Fevers in Infants
Even without obvious symptoms, children under 6 months of age with a fever should be examined by a physician within 24 hours, since they may have some infection that needs to be treated.
Older children with a fever (6 to 24 months old) who are acting well and have no other symptoms should be seen if the fever lasts 48 hours (or 72 hours if they do have minor cold or flu symptoms).
While caring for your son with a fever, remember the shadows of the many generations before ours when a fever would break a mother’s heart. The fever was the body’s desperate attempt to save the child. Remember now that fever is a friend — alerting us to potential problems, activating the immune system, and fighting bacteria and viruses.
Resources and References
Barbi E, Marzuillo P, et al. Fever in children: Pearls and pitfalls. Children (Basel). 2017;4(9):81.
Sarrell EM, et al. Antipyretic treatment in young children with fever: acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or both alternating in a randomized, double-blind study. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2006;160(2):197-202.
Sullivan JE, The Section on Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics and Committee on Drugs.
Fever and antipyretic use in children. Pediatrics. 2011;127(3):580-587.
Wyckoff A. Thermometer use 101. AAP News. 2009;30(11):29.
90,000 on the spread of Ebola fever in the Republic of Guinea
On the spread of Ebola fever in the Republic of Gvinei
according to the Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights and Human Welfare, at the end of March 2014 in Western Africa, 103 was registered cases of Ebola, of which 66 were fatal. The largest number of cases is recorded in three districts of the southeastern part of Guinea. Cases of suspected Ebola have also been reported in countries bordering Guinea – Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Ebola outbreaks have previously been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, South Sudan and Gabon.
Ebola is an acute viral highly contagious disease caused by the Ebola virus. A rare but extremely dangerous disease with a mortality rate of 90%. The incubation period can vary from 2 to 21 days, with an average of 3 to 9 days.
The disease begins acutely with an increase in body temperature to 39.5-40 degrees C. There are headaches in the frontal and temporal regions, malaise, nausea, vomiting, acute muscle pain, bleeding through the nose, gums and ears. About half of people develop conjunctivitis. After 1-3 days, watery loose stools, drowsiness, impaired consciousness join. During the first days of the disease, a sore throat occurs, the cervical lymph nodes increase. On the 5-7th day of illness, a maculopapular rash appears on the face and neck, which then spreads to the trunk and limbs.
The Ebola virus is spread by person-to-person transmission through direct, unprotected contact with the blood, body fluids, and tissues of an infected person, and through contact with objects that have been contaminated by an infected person. The Ebola virus is most often spread through relatives and friends, as they are in close contact while caring for the sick.
The gates of infection are the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and skin microtrauma.
When in these countries, it is recommended to use protective masks, refrain from visiting crowded places and contact with sick people with a high temperature. To prevent the disease, regular airing of the premises, wet cleaning, personal hygiene, and not buying food in places of unauthorized trade are necessary. If symptoms of the disease appear, it is necessary to wear a medical mask (or gauze folded 4-5 times) and immediately seek medical help. In no case do not self-medicate.
To prevent Ebola haemorrhagic fever, it is recommended not to travel to countries in Central and West Africa (especially Guinea, Sierra Leone, Senegal and Liberia) unless absolutely necessary.
If you experience any of the above symptoms upon returning from an Ebola-free country, seek medical attention immediately, stating that you have visited Guinea and/or its neighboring countries or had contact with persons who have visited Guinea and/or its neighboring countries in the past 21 days.
These countries.
Ebola hemorrhagic fever – YNAO
Ebola hemorrhagic fever is an acute viral highly contagious disease caused by Ebola virus . A rare but extremely dangerous disease. The fatality rate can reach 90%. There is currently no cure or reliable vaccine for Ebola. It affects humans, some primates, as well as artiodactyls (in particular, cases of defeat of pigs and duikers are confirmed).
Epidemiology
The Ebola virus is believed to be transmitted through contact with the body fluids of an infected animal. Person-to-person transmission can occur through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person (including a deceased or embalmed person) or through contact with contaminated medical equipment, such as needles and syringes. The potential for widespread infection is considered low because the disease is transmitted only through direct contact with the secretions of sick people.
Within 2 weeks after recovery, transmission of the virus through semen is possible.
Pathogenesis
The gates of infection are the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and skin microtrauma. There are no visible changes at the site of the gate. Rapid generalization of infection with the development of general intoxication and DIC is characteristic. In general, the pathogenesis is similar to other hemorrhagic fevers, differing from them only in the rate of development. In areas of endemicity, during the examination, 7% of the population was found to have antibodies to the Ebola virus. It can be assumed that a mild, or even asymptomatic, course of the disease is possible.
Symptoms and treatment
The incubation period is two to 21 days. The different severity of the disease and the frequency of deaths during epidemic outbreaks in different regions are associated with biological and antigenic differences in the isolated strains of the virus.
The disease begins with severe weakness, severe headache, muscle pain, diarrhea, abdominal pain, tonsillitis. Later, a dry cough and stabbing pains in the chest appear, signs of dehydration, vomiting, and a rash develop (in about 50% of cases), along with a decrease in the functioning of the liver and kidneys. In 40-50% of cases, bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract, nose, vagina and gums begins.
Severe bleeding is rare and usually associated with the gastrointestinal tract. The development of bleeding often indicates a poor prognosis.
If an infected person does not recover within 7 to 16 days after the first symptoms, then the likelihood of death increases. Death usually occurs in the second week of illness due to bleeding and shock.
Diagnosis is based on the epidemiological conditions of stay in an endemic area, contacts with patients in Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and characteristic clinical symptoms. Specialized laboratory tests register certain antigens and/or genes of the virus.