Health Tip: If Your Child Develops a Fever

While a fever generally is not something to be overly concerned about, some cases require a doctor’s intervention, the Nemours Foundation says.

Triggers of may fever include an infection, overdressing (particularly newborns) and immunizations.

A high fever should be treated without delay to prevent discomfort and possible dehydration, Nemours says.

If — despite a fever — your child is still playing, eating and drinking;
is alert, smiling, has a normal skin color and looks well when the body temperature returns to normal, there probably isn’t a need to call your doctor, Nemours says.

But you should seek immediate care if there’s:

Crying that won’t stop.
Extreme irritability or fussiness.
Trouble waking up.
A rash or purple spots that look like bruises (that weren’t there before your child got sick).
Blue lips, tongue or nails.
The child’s soft spot on the head appears to be bulging or sunken.
A stiff neck.
A severe headache.
Limpness or refusal to move.
Trouble breathing that doesn’t get better when the nose is cleared.
Leaning forward and drooling.
Seizure.
Moderate-to-severe belly pain.