When Is a Fever Cause for Concern? answers to winter’s most commonly asked questions A fever is the most common warning sign that your child may be sick. But when could a fever be a sign of something severe? “That’s the most common question we get in winter months,” said Dan Severa, M.D. “If treated correctly, a fever can be a minor issue. But parents need to know when a fever is a sign of something much more serious.” When the body is fighting germs that cause infections, core body temperature rises and causes a fever. When your child has a low-grade fever, there is little reason for concern. However, many parents wonder when a fever is more than just a fever. Taken orally, a normal temperature is about 98.6 degrees, and 99.6 when taken rectally. A fever is defined as an oral temperature above 99.5 or a rectal temperature above 100.4. A low-grade fever is considered a temp up to 100.2 degrees. If your infant is younger than 3 months old and has a rectal temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher, you should call your physician. A fever is often the first sign of a serious infection, especially in young babies. Because infants can quickly get very sick, promptly notifying your doctor of fever fluctuations may help prevent serious problems. Local physicians suggest contacting your pediatrician if your child (ages 3 months to 6 months) has a temperature of 101 degrees or higher. At 6 months of age, a fever of 102.9 lasts for more than 2 days or if your child’s fever reaches 103 or higher, a call to your pediatrician is warranted. “Parents need to understand that although fevers are common,” Severa said. “They can be a clue to a serious problem and a consultation with your doctor is essential to your child’s care. Parents have a good, innate sense of when their children are ‘just not acting right’ and warrant closer scrutiny by a physician. A steady fever is a good indicator.” Tylenol and Motrin are good choices for fever reduction. It is, however, not recommended to have your children wrapped in blankets or heavy clothing. A luke warm bath can also help bring down a fever in smaller children. “Fever is a symptom of some sort of infection within the body,” Severa said. “Simply treating the fever will not solve the underlying problem that caused the fever. Your child may need an antibiotic or it could be a virus that needs time and fluids to resolve,” Severa said.
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