When to worry about a fever?

Question

Good morning mamas! My poor little pumpkin isn't feeling well. He was up and down crying quite often last night. He's 13 months and has a fever of around 102. He's tired and wants to cuddle, but has no other symptoms. His ears, throat, etc don't seem to be bothering him and aren't red. Eating and drinking okay. I've given him some ibuprofen, stripped him down to his diaper and we're cuddling on the couch, but I really don't know when I should worry or call his doctor? He's my first and since he's not showing any other symptoms, I don't know if I should be super concerned or not. I've heard mixed things about him possibly cutting teeth, but some say his fever is too high for that. I know when I have a fever I feel tired and lethargic, so I have to imagine he's like that too. So moms, what do you think? Should I be ready to run out the door to the doctor soon or is he probably ok? I have a tendency to get really worked up when my son doesn't feel well since he's my first child and I don't really know what I'm doing 😭

Answer

From Dr. Sears:
Remember, fevers are your body’s natural response to infection, and not necessarily a sign that something serious is taking place.
Low-grade child fevers are generally not serious, are easily treated and can wait until the morning to be evaluated by your doctor.
Fevers of 101 to 103 degrees (38.4 to 39.5 Celsius) are also generally not serious and can wait until morning to be evaluated.
High child fevers of 104 degrees (40 Celsius) or higher that quickly come down to 100 or 101 degrees (37.8 to 38.3 Celsius) with the treatment measures below are also generally not serious and can wait until morning.
I screen capped the rest for you. Best thing to do is skin to skin (will help regulate temperatures). Our doctors in here actually advocate to NOT treat low grade fevers so no tylonel or ibuprofen. If the fever gets higher you can give a lukewarm bath.

Answer

I think yes you should take him. My daughter was the same way out of nowhere she began with a fever of 101 and then by the next morning she was already 104.1 and sooo sick. Just call his doctor and explain they’ll let you know if he should be seen. My dr said come in right away. She had strep and I didn’t even know. No signs of any kind I guess it was just the beginning but can you imagine if I didn’t take her 😔 I’d call the clinic and ask if he should be seen? Hope he gets better!! 🙂

Answer

I'm a nurse in a pediatricians office, 102 is a bit on the high side for just teething. If your baby has had a fever for more than a few days and has no other symptoms other than a fever, I'd definitely bring him into the office, it could be a UTI. I know not everyone agrees with rectal temps, but it is the most accurate until they can do oral temps. Hope he feels better!

Answer

If medicine will bring it down then there isn't much they can or will do for you 😕 I know its nerve-wracking but it sounds like you're doing all the right things. If its day 3 I would call and see if they want to see him or if the fever suddenly starts spiking to 104 and up or is no longer brought down with medicine.

When to worry about a fever?

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