Handling a Fever

Parents might worry when a child's temperature rises, but a fever itself causes no harm and can actually be a good thing — often, it's the body's way of fighting infections.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of a Fever?

A child who has a fever might be:

• fussy
• uncomfortable
• warm to the touch
• flushed
• sweaty

What Can I Do About a Fever?

Call the doctor’s office if your baby is younger than 3 months old with a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. If you can’t reach the doctor, go to the ER.

It's best to keep a child with a fever home from school or childcare until their temperature has been normal for at least 24 hours. If your child is uncomfortable, here are some ways to ease symptoms:

• Offer plenty of liquids to avoid dehydration.
• Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen based on the doctor's recommendations. Do not give aspirin to your child or teen as it's linked to a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome.
• Never use rubbing alcohol or cold baths to bring the fever down.
• Dress your child in lightweight clothing and cover with a light sheet or blanket.
• Let your child eat what they want, but don't force it if your child doesn't feel like eating.
• If your child also is vomiting and/or has diarrhea, ask the doctor if you should give a children's oral rehydration solution (also called oral electrolyte solution or oral electrolyte maintenance solution).
• Make sure your child gets plenty of rest.

Get Medical Care if:

• your baby is younger than 3 months old has a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
• an older child has a fever and:
  • looks sick
  • develops a rash
  • has lasting diarrhea and/or repeated vomiting
  • has signs of dehydration (peeing less than usual, not having tears when crying, less alert and less active than usual)
  • has a fever for 5 days
  • has a medical problem like sickle cell disease or cancer

Can Fevers Be Prevented?

All kids get a fever from time to time, and in most cases they're back to normal within a few days. The key is to make your child as comfortable as possible until the fever passes, and get medical care when needed.