When it comes to fevers in children, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms that require immediate medical attention. A fever is defined as a body temperature greater than 100.4ºF (38ºC). Generally, a child should be taken to the hospital if their fever is over 103ºF (39.4ºC). However, some children may require medical attention at a lower temperature depending on their age, medical history, and any other symptoms they may be experiencing.
For infants under three months of age, any fever should be taken seriously and medical attention should be sought immediately. Infants are at higher risk of developing serious infections, and their immune systems are not as developed as older children, so it is important to take any fever seriously.
If a child is between three and six months of age, medical attention should be sought if the fever is over 102ºF (38.9ºC). For children aged six months to two years, any fever over 101ºF (38.3ºC) should be taken seriously, and medical attention should be sought.
In addition to the fever, other signs and symptoms can also indicate that a child needs to be taken to the hospital. These include severe headache, difficulty breathing, confusion, severe abdominal pain, signs of dehydration, and a rash. If your child is displaying any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
It is also important to monitor your child's temperature closely and keep track of any changes. If you have any concerns, it is best to contact your doctor or take your child to the hospital.