A fever is one of the most frequent concerns that parents have when it comes to their baby or child. The good news is most fevers are not harmful and may last on average two-to-three days. Sometimes a fever improves on its own, but there are times that a fever is considered an emergency and need medical attention.

What is a fever?

• Fever is the body's way to fight infections.
• Fever is present when rectal, ear, or temporal artery temperature measures over 100.4 degree F.
• Many things can elevate a person’s body temperature temporarily, including exercise, overdressing, or a warm environment.

So, it's important to understand that not all temperature elevation signify that your child is ill.

What can cause fever?

Fever can be a indicator that the body is fighting a viral infection, a bacterial infection, experiencing heat exhaustion, severe sunburn, inflammation, medication side effects

See a pediatrician right away for fever:

• When babies younger than 3 months have a fever, it is recommend that the child be seen by the pediatrician right away.
• If the child's fever is over 104 F.
• If the child is showing symptons of dehydration.
• If the child's temperament has significantly changed, and is looking or acting very sick.
• If the child has seizure.
• If child is experiencing a severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, trouble breathing, rash.

See a pediatrician within 24hrs:

• If your child is age 3-6 months.
• If your child is is under two years old and fever is lasting more than 24hrs.
• If your child’s fever lasts more than three days.
• If medications aren’t helping to reduce the fever.
• If your child has a fever and you’re worried or have questions.