Fever, Age 3 And Younger: Check Your Symptoms

Content provided by Healthwise

Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your child's symptoms.

Note:

All temperature guidelines listed in this topic are rectal temperatures.
A child has a fever when his or her temperature is or higher, measured rectally.
For information about taking accurate temperatures, see the topic Body Temperature.
If you are not able to measure your child's temperature, look for other symptoms and answer the questions below.
If a child has a fever seizure that lasts less than 3 minutes, go to the topic Fever Seizures.

Yes: Does your child have a fever and any signs of a serious infection?
Yes: Does your child have a fever and breathing problems?
Yes: Does your child have a fever and pain? See evaluating pain in a child.
Yes: Does your child have a fever and a new skin problem?
Yes: Do you think or know your child has an extremely high fever [ or higher]?
Yes: Does your baby younger than 3 months have a fever?
Yes: Does your child older than 3 months have a fever?
Yes: Does your child have a fever and signs of mild to moderate dehydration?
Yes: Do you think your child's fever may be caused by a medicine?
Yes: Does your child age 3 months to 3 years have ongoing or frequent fevers?

Other Symptoms to Watch For

Does your child have any of the following symptoms?

Vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain: Go to the topic Diarrhea, Age 11 and Younger, Vomiting, Age 3 and Younger, or Abdominal Pain, Age 11 and Younger.
Upper respiratory system or lung problems: Go to the topic Respiratory Problems, Age 11 and Younger.
Ear pain (babies may pull at painful ears): Go to the topic Ear Problems and Injuries, Age 11 and Younger.
Painful urination or signs of a urinary tract infection: Go to the topic Urinary Problems and Injuries, Age 11 and Younger.
Unexplained skin rash: Go to the topic Rash, Age 11 and Younger.
Joint pain: Go to the topic Arm Problems, Noninjury or Leg Problems, Noninjury.
Injury to the skin and signs of a skin infection: Go to the topic Cuts.
Swollen glands and sore throat: Go to the topic Sore Throat.
Tooth pain: Go to the topic Teething or Toothache and Gum Problems.
Suspected poisoning: Go to the topic Poisoning.
Recent immunizations: Go to the topic Immunizations for information about reactions.
Recent heat exposure: Go to the topic Heat-Related Illnesses.
Symptoms of possible exposure to a contagious disease: Go to the topic Chickenpox, Measles, or Mumps.

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

Print Email Twitter Facebook MySpace AIM More

Last updated:	April 24, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics
Editors:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC, Tracy Landauer

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.