Pediatric Fever Emergencies: When Should You Take Your Child to the ER?
Fevers can be a source of anxiety for parents, leaving you uncertain about whether to call the doctor or head straight to the emergency room.
Understanding the nuances of when to seek medical attention for your child’s fever can be crucial, ensuring timely care when necessary and minimizing unnecessary stress.
The Scope of Pediatric Fevers
Fever is the most common reason for pediatric evaluations in acute care settings.
Approximately 180,000 infants younger than three months and 2.6 million children aged three months to 2 years with fever visit the ER every year.
Notably, febrile infants under 90 days old are at risk of serious bacterial infections (SBIs), including urinary tract infections (UTIs), bacteremia, and meningitis. Therefore, seeking medical help is of special concern.
What Constitutes a Fever
Understanding what’s considered a fever is crucial for parents.
While the “normal” body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, a fever typically starts at 100.4°F or higher. And it’s important to remember that it’s normal for our body temperature to vary throughout the day.
When it comes to taking a child’s temperature, there are a variety of thermometers to choose from -rectal, armpit, ear, forehead, or mouth – which may yield slightly different numbers.
Here’s a helpful chart to guide you:
Age |
Recommended Thermometer |
When It’s a Fever |
| 0 to 2 years
|
Rectal | 100.4°F |
| 0 to 2 years
|
Armpit | 99°F |
| 2 to 5 years
|
Rectal | 100.4°F |
| 2 to 5 years
|
Ear | 100.4°F |
| 2 to 5 years
|
Armpit | 99°F |
| 5+ years
|
Ear | 100.4°F |
| 5+ years
|
Mouth | 100°F |
| 5+ years
|
Armpit | 99°F |
Warning Signs on When to Visit the ER Based on Your Child’s Age
Pediatric fever emergencies are common, know when to take your child to the emergency room.
Newborns and Infants Younger than Three Months
Please visit our pediatric ER if your baby’s temperature exceeds 100.4°F and if any of the following accompanies it:
- Difficulty waking up
- Trouble breathing
- Rash
- Vomiting
- Inconsolable crying
- No tears when crying
- Little or no urination
Babies and Toddlers (3 months to 3 years)
Head to our nearest pediatric ER for a temperature above 102.2°F or if the child exhibits:
- Lethargy or difficulty waking up
- Not urinating
- Inability to keep fluids down
- Is inconsolable
- Difficulty breathing
- Rash
Children 3 and Older
Seek pediatric ER care at our closest facility if the temperature surpasses 102°F for two or more days or if accompanied by:
- Abdominal pain
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Inability to keep fluids down
- Burning sensation during urination or lack of urination
- Rash
- Stiff neck
- Difficulty waking up
Rapid Care Emergency Room offers pediatric emergency services at all our locations, ensuring access to top-rated ERs close to home, ready to provide swift and comprehensive care for your children’s needs.
Remember, when in doubt, it’s always better to seek professional medical advice. Your child’s health is a priority; timely action can make all the difference.