What happens when your baby or infant has a fever?

What happens when your baby or infant has a fever?

Fever is an important part of the body’s defense against infection. Many older infants develop high fevers with even minor illnesses. Febrile seizures occur in some children and can be scary to parents. However, most febrile seizures are over quickly. These seizures do not mean your child has epilepsy, and do not cause any lasting harm.

When to seek medical advice for a child with a fever?

This understandably worries parents and carers. Most fevers in young children over 6 months of age are not serious. Fever in children aged 3-6 months has a higher chance of being serious. You should seek medical advice if the temperature is 39°C or more. Fever in a baby aged less than 3 months is unusual and worrying.

How long does a fever last in a 2 year old?

A fever lasts longer than 24 hours in a baby younger than 2 years old without any other symptoms. The fever rises above 104°F. The fever does not go down with medication, or the child still seems sick with medication.

Is it bad to have a child with a persistent fever?

Having a child with a prolonged or persistent fever can be frustrating, both for a parent and their pediatrician.

What does it mean when your child has a recurrent fever?

A recurrent fever is one that comes back in a pattern. For example, your young child or toddler could have a fever every month. This type of fever is typically seen in young children, usually under age 5 (infants and toddlers in particular). The increased temperature lasts for a few days and then goes away for a stretch of time.

Is it normal for a baby to have a fever?

A baby with a fever may not be ill, as babies are less able to regulate their body temperature. When taking a baby’s temperature, people can use a rectal thermometer for the most accurate results. Fever in a child depends on the method of taking the temperature: By itself, fever does not necessarily signal a serious illness.

What to do if your child has a fever for 5 days?

If the fever continues for five days, your child will need to be seen by the healthcare provider. Tracking the fever can also be helpful. Take notes of what temperatures happened when and how long the fever lasted.

A fever lasts longer than 24 hours in a baby younger than 2 years old without any other symptoms. The fever rises above 104°F. The fever does not go down with medication, or the child still seems sick with medication.