symptoms in infants and children
children s health issues
Fever in Infants and Children
Usually, fever is caused by a viral infection. The likely causes of fever and need for testing depend on the age of the child. Infants under 3 months of age with a temperature of 100.4° F (about 38° C) or higher need to be evaluated promptly by a doctor. Children age 3 months to 3 years with fever who have no symptoms suggesting a specific disorder but who look ill or have a temperature of 102.2° F (39° C) or higher need to be evaluated promptly by a doctor. Teething does not cause significant fever. Drugs that lower fever may make children feel better but do not affect the disorder causing the fever. 