Fever in Children

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• The mouth temperature is higher than 99.5 degrees F (38 degrees C).
• The rectal temperature is higher than 100.4 degrees F (38 degrees C).
• The armpit temperature is higher than 98.6 degrees F (37 degrees C).

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

• If the child's temperature is higher than 101 degrees F (38.3 degrees C), restrict activity or put the child to bed.
• Encourage the child to drink extra fluids.
• Give acetaminophen for the fever. Do not give your child aspirin.
• If the child's temperature remains higher than 104 degrees F (40 degrees C), it may be helpful to give the child a sponge bath. This should be done in a warm room with warm water. Using a damp wash cloth, gently rub the entire body. The child should be damp but not dripping wet. Do not use a fan or ice or cold water, and do not chill the child.
• Take the child's temperature in the morning, at bedtime, and every 4 hours during the day, or more often if he or she looks ill.

Call Your Doctor If...

• The child develops a temperature higher than 103 degrees F (39.4 degrees C).
• The child's temperature is higher than 101 degrees F (37 degrees C) for more than 24 hours.
• The child develops new symptoms.
• The child has a marked change in behavior, level of consciousness, or level of activity.

Seek Care Immediately If...

• The child develops a rectal temperature higher than 105 degrees F (40.6 degrees C).
• Your child has a seizure, develops abnormal movements of the face, arms, or legs, or has difficulty breathing.

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