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When should you be worried about a fever?

My 11 year old son has a fever. When should you be worried about a fever?

5 Answers

If it’s high and persistent
Fevers are a nice healthy body responding to infection whether viral or bacterial or other inflammatory process. If his temperature is greater than 102 I suspect he's uncomfortable and also losing lots of fluids from perspiration so the administration of acetaminophen or ibuprofen would be appropriate. With a fever of 104° children tend to be miserable which is a normal response. The temperature of 98° and they're still miserable those are the children. I worry about the need to be evaluated. Also, a fever of more than 5 days needs to be evaluated.
Hello

Most fevers are from viruses. You only have to worry if they last more than 5 days. This time of the year, I would get checked for the flu.
Fever is not necessarily your enemy. You want to make the child as comfortable as possible. If it gets over 105 F. I would have him evaluated by a physician.
If the fever is prolonged more than 3-4 days, extremely high 104-105, or if he acts abnormal, extremely fussy, will not eat, not moving his neck around, or a rash, see doctor immediately.