(406) 587-5870  f: (406) 522-1536   /   280 W Kagy Blvd, Suite G Bozeman, MT 59715

(406) 587-5870
f: (406) 522-1536
280 W Kagy Blvd, Suite G Bozeman, MT 59715

Back To Common Illnesses

FEVER

Fevers have been making parents nervous for ages. Before vaccines were developed, a fever was often a sign of life-threatening disease like diphtheria or meningitis. Parents learned to be wary. Thankfully, because of the success of immunizations, we live in a time in which the vast majority of fevers are not associated with dangerous illness. Most fevers are not a cause for concern, and actually help the body to fight off the infection.

  • Your child has a fever if they have a temperature over 100.4, or an oral or axillary temperature over 99.5.
  • Fevers in the range of 101-105 are common with viral illness and generally come and go for 2 to 3 days. The body has mechanisms to prevent most dangerously high fevers, those approaching 107.
  • Only young infants need to have a temperature taken rectally, since this is most accurate and the degree of fever is extremely important in the very young. Once your child is over 2 months, an under-arm (axillary) temperature is sufficient.

CALL IMMEDIATELY IF YOUR CHILD HAS A FEVER AND ANY OF THE FOLLOWING ARE TRUE...

  • Your child is less than 2 months old
  • Your child looks very ill to you
  • Your child has bruise marks or dark red spots on the skin
  • Your child is not responsive or aware

CALL DURING OFFICE HOURS FOR AN APPOINTMENT IF...

  • Your child's fever comes and goes for more than 3 days
  • Your child's fever is 105 or higher
  • Your child has other concerning symptoms like severe cough or vomiting

HOME TREATMENT ADVICE

  • If your child is having a low fever and feels well, you do not have to treat the fever
  • A lukewarm bath will bring a fever down 1 to 2 degrees in 15 to 20 minutes
  • Encourage extra liquids like water, diluted juice or Pedialyte
  • Treat with acetaminophen or ibuprofen following the guidelines inside the back cover of this book if the fever is bothersome

Recommended Reading

Recommended Reading

Browse our list of recommended books for each stage in your child's life.

Online Resources

Online Resources

Browse reliable online resources from reputable sources that we trust.