Babies and children tend to run a fever quite often. It's a good sign that they have an active immune system working hard to fight off viruses and bacteria. The amount of fever you need to worry about depends on the age of the infant or child and the accompanying symptoms. If you are worried about a fever in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, Jupiter, and Palm City, you can count on the team of pediatricians at Children's Physicians to support you and your child.

When a child of any age has a fever in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, Jupiter, and Palm City for more than four or five days, even without other obvious symptoms, it is time to call your doctor.  

Infants

If your infant is younger than two months, any fever is a concern, and you should contact your pediatrician. It can be challenging to determine the cause of the fever in young infants, but one of the most common causes is a urinary tract infection. A temperature with a rectal reading of above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit is considered a fever. 

Toddler

During this period, children cut their teeth. Teething often seems to coincide with occasions of fever. Teething itself does not cause fever. But as the teeth start erupting, the child is more likely to be putting things into their mouth that may be loaded with germs and that is the most likely cause of the fever. If your child grabs their ear, it may be an ear infection. If your toddler is under two years old, wait no longer than two days with a fever over 102. 

Children

As children get more vocal, they can better tell you their feelings. If a fever is accompanied by a stiff neck, severe headache, severe sore throat, severe ear pain, an unexplained rash or repeated vomiting or diarrhea, call your pediatrician immediately. If the temperature reaches 105, immediately get your child to an emergency room. Some children may experience a seizure when they have a fever. In most cases, this is not serious and doesn't cause permanent brain damage, but make sure your doctor knows this happened. 

Teens

If your teen has a fever of over 103 for 3 days or more, they should see the doctor. They may not want to go, but it should be checked out. 

Contact Children's Physicians when you have concerns about fever in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, Jupiter, and Palm City. Give one of our offices a call at Pam Beach Gardens at (561) 626-4000, in Jupiter at (561) 743-9000, and in Palm City at (772) 219-4444.