In most cases, a ball park figure is all you need when your child has a fever. How your child acts is more important than how high his temperature is. These are all symptoms that are as important as the fever itself in helping the doctor determine what your child has, and if your child is at risk. Always call your doctor is you are concerned your child is seriously ill. The younger the child, the more the worry.
Tiny babies have immature defenses against germs.
Any fever in a baby under three months should be reported to your doctor, regardless of the hour of the day or night. Likewise, if your child is becoming increasingly drowsy, pale, and lethargic and the fever persists, call your doctor. Never use aspirin for fevers in children and teens less than 20 years of age. Some parents choose to alternate between the acetaminophen and ibuprofen. This is helpful if your child tends toward febrile seizures, and is not necessary for most illnesses.