A fever can stop a parent in their tracks. Is it too high? Should we go to urgent care? If you’ve ever found yourself Googling those questions while your child sleeps restlessly beside you, you’re not alone. 

Fever is one of the top reasons parents bring their kids to urgent care — and one of the most misunderstood. 

The truth is, a fever is rarely dangerous on its own. Knowing what to watch for, how to comfort your child and when to call the doctor can help you feel confident the next time their temperature climbs. 

What Is a Fever?

A fever is a temporary increase in body temperature. Most often, it’s a sign of the body doing its job, not that something has gone wrong. Most fevers from viral illness go away on their own within two to three days.

The most common cause of a fever is a viral infection, such as the common cold, flu, stomach bug or RSV. Bacterial infections, such as ear infections or strep throat, can also cause fevers. 

A temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher is considered a fever. Along with an elevated temperature, a child with a fever may experience: 

• A flushed face
  
  
• Warm skin to the touch
  
  
• Sweating, chills or shivering
  
  
• More fatigue or irritability than usual
  
  
• Loss of interest in eating or drinking 

These symptoms can be uncomfortable, but they’re normal signs that the immune system is hard at work. 

Choosing the Right Thermometer 

Readings can vary slightly depending on which method you use, which is why the type of thermometer matters, especially for young babies.

For babies under 3 months, a rectal thermometer gives the most accurate reading. And at this age, accuracy matters. Even a low-grade fever in a very young baby can be a sign of something serious.

A forehead thermometer is a convenient and reliable option at any age. However, forehead strips — the thin plastic kind that change color — are not accurate enough to count on. Ear thermometers work well for kids 6 months and older, though they may give a false reading if your child has an ear infection or excess wax buildup. 

Once your child is 4 years old, an oral thermometer is a good option if they can hold it still under their tongue. 

Whatever thermometer you choose, make sure it's digital. Mercury thermometers can break and release toxic fumes.

How Dangerous Is a Fever?

A fever itself is rarely dangerous, and fevers caused by infection do not damage the brain. The brain actually triggers a fever on purpose to help the body fight infection. 

What matters more than the number on the thermometer is how your child looks and acts. A child who is playing and alert at 103 degrees Fahrenheit is less concerning than a child who is lethargic at a lower temperature. 

In rare cases, very high fevers (above 106 degrees Fahrenheit) can be dangerous. This is often due to external heat exposure, such as being left in a hot car, rather than illness. 

Keeping Your Child Comfortable

If your child is happy, playful and comfortable, it’s often best not to treat the fever. Let it do its job and help your child fight infection.

To keep your child comfortable during a fever:

• Dress them lightly. Extra layers and blankets can cause the body to overheat. 
  
  
• Offer fluids often to prevent dehydration. 
  
  
• Encourage them to rest or play quietly.
  
  
• Give them a lukewarm sponge bath to help lower their temperature and provide comfort. 

If your child seems uncomfortable, fever-reducing medicines can help. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is safe for kids 3 months and older. Ibuprofen (Motrin and Advil) can be used for kids 6 months and older. Always check the label or ask your pharmacist for the correct dose for your child’s weight. Do not give your child aspirin. And never use rubbing alcohol to bring down a fever — it can be absorbed through the skin and is toxic.

It can be a good idea to keep a fever diary to record your child’s temperature, how and when you took it and any other symptoms. Tracking this information can help you spot whether the fever is coming down or lingering longer than it should. 

When To See a Doctor

Most fevers in an otherwise healthy child can be managed at home. But trust your instincts. If something feels off, it’s always okay to call.

Reach out to your child’s doctor if your child:

• Is younger than 3 months old with a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
  
  
• Has had a fever for more than two to three days
  
  
• Seems very sick, is in significant pain or is unusually lethargic
  
  
• Has other symptoms that concern you, such as trouble breathing, ear pain, headache, stiff neck, a rash or pain with urination
  
  
• Has a condition that makes fever higher risk, such as sickle cell disease, cancer or a weakened immune system
  
  
• Shows signs of dehydration, such as decreased urination, dry mouth, no tears or extreme sleepiness

When in doubt, call. Children’s Wisconsin offers after-hours options, including seven urgent care locations in Wisconsin and online video visits. You can reserve your spot online or book an urgent care video visit from home.