Fever in Children: When to Treat at Home vs When to Call Us
Learn when a child's fever is manageable at home and when to call your pediatrician. Age-specific guidelines from American Pediatrics.
Fever is the #1 reason parents call our after-hours line — and for good reason. It's your child's natural immune response to infection, but knowing when to intervene and when to call your pediatrician can save you unnecessary stress.
What Counts as a Fever?
A temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher is considered a fever. The most accurate methods are rectal (for infants), oral (for older children), or temporal artery (forehead) thermometers. Ear thermometers can be less reliable in young children.
Age-Specific Guidelines
Under 3 months: Any fever of 100.4°F or higher requires immediate medical attention. Call us or go to the ER. At this age, fever can indicate a serious infection.
3–6 months: Call your pediatrician for temperatures of 101°F or higher, or if the fever lasts more than 24 hours.
6–24 months: Call if fever reaches 102°F or higher, lasts more than a day, or is accompanied by other symptoms like rash, vomiting, or ear pulling.
2 years and older: Most fevers in this age group are viral and resolve in 2–3 days. Call if fever exceeds 104°F, lasts more than 3 days, or your child appears unusually ill.
Home Care Tips
Keep your child hydrated with small, frequent sips. Dress them in light clothing. Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin, for 6 months+) as directed by your pediatrician. Never give aspirin to children. A lukewarm bath can help but avoid cold baths.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Go to the ER if your child has difficulty breathing, is unresponsive or extremely lethargic, has a stiff neck, develops a purple rash, has a seizure, or shows signs of severe dehydration.
When in doubt, call American Pediatrics. Our triage nurses are available during office hours to help you assess the situation over the phone.
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