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Last Updated: Jun 02, 2020
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High Fever - Should You Really Worry?

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Dr. Vineet Bhushan GuptaPediatrician • 39 Years Exp.Diploma in Child Health (DCH), MRCPCH, MRCP (UK), MD - Paediatrics, MBBS
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High fever is common in kids and a common worry for parents as well. If you are a parent, you need to know when the fever is serious, and when you should worry about it.

Fever is a defence mechanism of the body. Body temperature rises if any foreign body (or antigen) attacks your body. As a defence, body temperature rises making it an unfavourable condition for the antigen. Fever means temperature above normal i.e. 98.6. Normally for kids, thermometer is placed under the armpit to record the temperature. You need to add an extra degree for accuracy. Paediatricians recommend treatment for fever if it's more than 101 degree F.

When to Call a Doctor

If the kid is less than 4 months old and has a fever of 100.4degree F with other mentioned symptoms as highlighted, one must see the doctor as an emergency situation.
If a kid has 104degree F fever, rush to the doctor. Such a high fever in children could lead to seizures.

You must call a doctor if the kid has a fever along with the following symptoms:

  1. Looks very drowsy
  2. Has a deteriorated immune system or even any other medical condition
  3. Has a seizure
  4. Has symptoms such as rashes, painful throat, annoyance, rigid neck or ear pain

Medication Side Effects:

At times, if you treat your children with some medication that does not suit them, it may lead to high fever.

In case fever in a kid aged less than 2 years lasts for more than one day, it's time to see a doctor. And lastly, remember that normal body temperature is 98.6 degree F.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

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