What Is A Fever? 

A fever is simply the body’s way of fighting infection or germs. The immune system raises body temperature, thus making the body feel warm. If your child’s temperature is higher than 100.4°F (38°C), they have a fever. 

At KidsStreet Urgent Care, we treat fevers in our urgent care services for kids.

Symptoms of Fevers in Kids

Although fever can be a symptom of another illness, it may also come with a different set of symptoms. 

Mild Symptoms 

Mild symptoms of fever in children include: 

• Child feels warm
• Headaches
• Body aches
• Chills
• Sweating
• Shivering
• Red or flushed skin
• Increased irritability 

Severe Symptoms

Although most cases of fever have mild symptoms, children may experience severe symptoms depending on their age and any pre-existing conditions. Severe symptoms include: 

• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Stiff neck
• Convulsing or febrile seizures 
• Blue tongue, lips, or mouth 

Additionally, you should call your child’s provider or visit the emergency department if: 

• Your child is younger than three months, and they have a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher
• Your child has a fever for more than 2 days. 
• The fever is accompanied by a rash
• Your child’s fever reaches 104° f (40°C) 
• Your child is in extreme pain
• The child is excessively crying 
• You are having difficulty waking your child up
• They are limp or refusing to move 

• How To Take Your Child’s Temperature

  If you suspect your child has a fever, it’s time to check their temperature! There are a few different ways that you can take your child’s temperature, and your best option depends on the age of your child. 

  Oral Temperature Reading

  Taking a child’s temperature orally is one of the most popular methods, and it consists of using an oral thermometer under the child’s tongue. It is most accurate when utilized for children 4 years old and older. When using this method, temperatures higher than 100°F are classified as a fever.

  Rectal Temperature Reading

  Checking a child’s temperature rectally is recommended for kids 3 years of age and younger, as it gives the most accurate reading. When using this method, temperatures higher than 100.4°F are classified as a fever.

  Tympanic Temperature Reading

  Many pediatric providers use the tympanic temperature reading, which consists of inserting a thermometer inside the ear canal. This method is useful for kids older than 6 months, and when utilizing this method, temperatures higher than 100.4°F are classified as a fever. 

  Temporal Artery Temperature Reading 

  If you have a digital thermometer, you can take the temporal artery temperature. This is used by running a digital thermometer across the forehead and is acceptable for kids of any age. When using this method, temperatures higher than 100.4°F are classified as a fever.

  Axillary Temperature Reading 

  If your child won’t let you insert the thermometer in their mouth or ear canal, an axillary temperature reading may be a good option. This method uses a thermometer in the armpit to measure temperature. This method is acceptable for kids of all ages, and temperatures higher than 99°F are classified as fever when using this method.