{"id":3003,"date":"2026-02-11T12:19:30","date_gmt":"2026-02-11T18:19:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.imaginepediatrics.org\/?p=3003"},"modified":"2026-03-27T13:21:37","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T18:21:37","slug":"fever-in-children","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.imaginepediatrics.org\/resources\/fever-in-children\/","title":{"rendered":"Fevers in Children: How to Check, Treat, and Know When to Get Help"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\"Mother<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Fevers in Children: How to Check, Treat, and Know When to Get Help<\/strong><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n

February 11, 2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fever in a child often worries parents. The good news is that fever is common and often part of the body\u2019s normal response to illness. Let\u2019s walk through what fever means and how you can care for your child with confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a fever?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A fever is a higher-than-normal body temperature. Most people have a body temperature around 98.6\u00b0F. Some children can be a little higher or lower. Health care experts call it a fever when it is higher than 100.4\u00b0F.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fever is usually caused by a virus, like the flu. It can also be caused by bacteria, like from an ear infection. A fever is a sign that the body is fighting off germs. The fever itself is not an illness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What thermometer should I use?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the use of digital thermometers. These can be placed in the rectum, mouth, or armpit.  Glass thermometers are no longer used because they can break and release mercury, which can cause harm. And, ear and forehead thermometers are newer, but not always accurate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For babies under 3 months:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You must use a rectal thermometer. Call your child\u2019s primary pediatric provider or Imagine Pediatrics or go to the emergency department right away for any rectal temperature of 100.4\u00b0F or higher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For children 3 months to 3 years:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rectal temperatures are still best, but you can start by checking under your child\u2019s arm. Always report the number you see, do not add degrees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For children 4 years and older:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can start checking temperatures by mouth, under the tongue, with lips closed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I take my child\u2019s temperature?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rectal temperature (most accurate for infants)<\/p>\n\n\n\n