Navigating Fever in Children: When to Worry and When to Wait

When your child isn't feeling well, you want to do whatever it takes to help. Sometimes, it can be tough to decide whether it's best to let your child recover naturally at home, or if they need medical intervention to get well. At Rancho Mirage Pediatrics, our team is here to help. Here, we'll take a look at what you need to know about potential causes of pediatric fevers, and how to decide whether you should wait it out with your child at home or take them to a medical professional for treatment.

What Causes Fevers in Kids?

 There are many factors that can cause fevers in children. Most are not cause for alarm, but some fever-causing conditions require swift medical treatment.

Common causes of fevers in children include: 

• Viral or bacterial infections
• Vaccinations
• Overdressing (especially newborns)
• Teething
• Inflammatory/autoimmune conditions
• Heat-related illnesses

When to Wait it Out at Home Vs. When to Seek Medical Attention

 Your child's age is an important factor to consider when deciding whether you should keep them at home or seek medical treatment. If your child is under three months old, it's important to seek care immediately if they have a fever over 100.4°F. If your child is between three and six months old, any fever over 102°F or higher requires medical attention (lower fevers may also require medical attention depending on your child's other symptoms). Kids who are older than 6 months can generally handle fevers of up to 102°F.

If your child is acting normally (eating, drinking, playing, and doesn't seem uncomfortable), it's likely that you'll be able to monitor and treat their fever at home. Kids who have mild symptoms like a runny nose, occasional cough, or slight fatigue are also typically okay with recovering at home. If your child's fever lasts for more than three days, is persistently high (over 104°F), or suddenly spikes, it's important to seek immediate medical attention.

If your child experiences the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:

• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
• Severe headache
• Persistent crying
• Stiff neck
• Sensitivity to light
• Persistent vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Rash that doesn’t turn white when pressed or that spreads quickly
• Seizures
• Unusual fatigue
• Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, no tears when crying, not using the bathroom regularly).

Reach Out to Rancho Mirage Pediatrics to Schedule Your Sick Child's Visit in Rancho Mirage, CA, Today

 At Rancho Mirage Pediatrics, our team is here to help when your child isn't feeling their best. Reach out to our Rancho Mirage, CA, team to schedule a sick visit today at 760-770-0000.