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KidsCare Online

Does this describe your symptom?

  
  • Fever is the only symptom.
  • Rectal temperature above 100.4°F (38.0°C).
  • Oral temperature above 99.5°F (37.5°C).
  • Axillary (armpit) temperature above 99.0°F (37.2°C).
  • Pacifier temperature above 100°F (37.8°C). New digital electronic ones are accurate.
  • Ear (tympanic) temperature above 100.4°F (38°C). (Note: Not reliable for less than 6 months old).
  • Temporal artery (TA) temperature above 100.4°F (38°C). (Note: more reliable than tympanic thermometers, but not to be used for less than 6 months old).
    Cause
  • Colds and other viral infections.
  • Fever may be the only symptom for the first 12-24 hours (i.e. viral fevers). The onset of symptoms (runny nose, cough, diarrhea, etc.) are often delayed.
  • In the case of Roseola, fever may be the only symptom for 2 or 3 days.
  • Note:
    • The cause of the fever often can't be determined during the first 24 hours.
  • Bacterial infections (such as strep throat or urinary tract infections also cause fever.)
  • Teething does not cause fever.

    Return to School

  • Your child can return to day care or school after the fever is gone and your chid feels well enough to participate in normal activities.

If not, see these other symptoms

If OTHER SYMPTOMS are present with FEVER, see:
  1. Should I Call?
  2. Care at Home

Parent Care for Pediatric Symptoms. Copyright © 2000-2008. Barton D. Schmitt, MD
Reviewed/Modified: Sept 2008 by Intermountain Healthcare, Inc.


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