For example, some parents are frightened when their baby or toddler develops an unexplained fever before other symptoms of a cold begin. If your child has a fever, don t panic. It s a cue that the body s immune system is working to fight an infection. That s why it s important to observe a child with a fever closely and know when to call your family doctor. For a child of any age, a fever is considered to be anything over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fevers tend to be higher in children than in adults.
In fact, temperatures of 103 and 104 degrees are common in children. The fever itself is not harmful, but the underlying cause could be serious. The decision to call your physician should not be based on temperature alone. In fact, there s a slogan that says treat the child, not the thermometer. Experts agree that during the first year of life, parents should measure their children s health by appearance and behavior, not simply their temperature.