When Should I Take My Child to the Doctor if They Have a Fever?

Parents often worry about when to take their child to the doctor. Co-pays can add up quickly when you have sick kids.

Seeing a temperature on the thermometer makes any parent worry. Fevers can be scary, but it is actually a positive sign that your child’s immune system is turned on and working to overcome the infection. The number on the thermometer is important; however, how your child behaves with the fever is much more important.

If they are still playful and eating/drinking, the fever is less concerning. Pay close attention to your child’s respiratory symptoms, such as fast or labored breathing. That is a sign of a more serious illness.

For newborns (younger than 2 months), any fever over 100.4 F should be evaluated by a doctor. In addition, fevers are concerning if your child is lethargic, has a fever that is not responsive to medication, or has a fever over 101F for longer than 5 days.

Some parents worry that a high fever will cause brain damage, but in reality fevers do not cause brain damage when the body is fighting an infection.

With any fever, be sure to dress your child in light clothing and encourage them to stay hydrated. If you give acetaminophen or Ibuprofen, double check that you are giving the correct dose based on their current weight.

Schedule an appointment by calling (307) 444-KIDS or schedule an appointment online at EvanstonAnytime.com.