Seeing a high number on a thermometer can be stressful. Fever is usually part of the body’s response to an infection, and the temperature alone does not show how serious an illness is. A child’s age, breathing, hydration, alertness, and other symptoms all matter.
This article provides general education and does not replace individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Measure temperature carefully
Use a digital thermometer and follow its instructions. The best method depends on the child’s age. Tell the care team both the number and how it was measured. Touching the forehead can suggest warmth but cannot provide a reliable temperature.
Focus on comfort and hydration
Offer fluids often, dress the child lightly, and allow rest. Do not use ice baths or rubbing alcohol. Medication dosing for children is usually based on weight and the specific product concentration; ask a clinician or pharmacist when unsure. Never give aspirin to a child or teenager unless specifically directed by a clinician.
Call promptly for young infants
A rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher in a baby younger than 3 months needs prompt medical evaluation. Do not wait for other symptoms. For older children, contact pediatric care when fever persists, returns, or occurs with concerning symptoms.
Watch the child, not only the number
Seek advice if the child is unusually sleepy or irritable, cannot keep fluids down, urinates much less, develops a new rash, has severe pain, or is not improving. Children with immune problems or complex medical conditions may need earlier evaluation. Our sick-visit checklist can help.
Know emergency signs
Call 911 for severe trouble breathing, blue or gray color, a seizure lasting more than five minutes, a stiff neck with severe illness, unresponsiveness, or signs of a life-threatening problem. For non-emergency concerns, request a pediatric visit or same-day care.
Care in Pomona and nearby communities
All American CHC serves Pomona, Claremont, La Verne, Montclair, Diamond Bar, Walnut, San Dimas, Covina, West Covina, and nearby communities. Explore our service areas or use the appointment page to request care.
Frequently asked questions
Should I wake a sleeping child to give fever medicine?
Not always. Comfort, age, medical history, and clinician instructions matter. Ask the child’s care team for guidance.
Do teething fevers get very high?
Teething may cause mild temperature changes, but a true fever should not automatically be blamed on teething.
What should I record before calling?
Record the temperature, measurement method, time, symptoms, fluid intake, urination, medicines with dose and time, and how the child is behaving.
