When a child feels warm, many parents immediately worry about a fever. Monitoring a child’s temperature is a common way to gauge their well-being. Knowing what temperature indicates a fever and when to seek medical advice can help ease parental anxiety and ensure appropriate care.
Understanding a Child’s Normal Temperature Range
A child’s normal body temperature is not a single fixed number; it can vary slightly throughout the day and depending on factors like age, activity level, and the method used for measurement. The average body temperature is around 98.6°F (37°C), but it can fluctuate between approximately 97°F (36°C) and 99°F (37°C) for most individuals. For instance, a child’s temperature might be lower in the morning and slightly higher in the late afternoon or evening.
A temperature reading of 99.2°F typically falls within this normal temperature range. Therefore, 99.2°F is not considered a fever in a child and generally does not indicate an illness.
When a Child’s Temperature Indicates Fever
A temperature is generally considered a fever when it reaches or exceeds 100.4°F (38°C) when measured rectally, in the ear, or across the forehead. For oral measurements, a temperature of 100°F (37.8°C) or higher indicates a fever. An armpit temperature of 99°F (37.2°C) or higher is also considered a fever, though this method is less accurate.
Different measurement methods can yield slightly different readings due to their proximity to the body’s core temperature. Rectal temperatures are generally considered the most accurate, particularly for infants and young children. Oral temperatures are suitable for older children who can cooperate, while temporal artery (forehead) and tympanic (ear) thermometers can also be used, though ear thermometers are less accurate for children under 6 months.
Important Considerations for Fever in Children
For infants younger than three months, a rectal temperature is generally recommended as the most accurate method. To take a rectal temperature, lubricate the tip of a digital thermometer with petroleum jelly and gently insert it about 0.5 to 1 inch into the child’s rectum, holding them still until the thermometer beeps. For children aged three months to four years, rectal or temporal artery (forehead) temperatures are accurate options.
Oral temperatures are suitable for children aged four years and older who can hold the thermometer under their tongue with closed lips. Armpit temperatures can be used for screening at any age, but if a fever is suspected, a more accurate method like a rectal or forehead temperature should be used to confirm the reading.
Beyond the temperature reading itself, a child’s overall behavior and other symptoms provide important clues about their condition. Seek medical advice if a child under three months old has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. For children over three months, contact a healthcare provider if the fever reaches 102.2°F (39°C) or higher, or if the fever lasts longer than three to five days.
Symptoms indicating a need for medical consultation include:
- Lethargy
- Difficulty breathing
- A rash accompanying the fever
- Persistent vomiting
- Refusal to feed
- Reduced urination
- Lack of tears
General comfort measures for a child with a fever involve ensuring they stay hydrated with plenty of fluids, dressing them in lightweight clothing, and keeping the room at a comfortable temperature. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be given to help with discomfort, following dosage instructions carefully, but aspirin should be avoided in children due to the risk of Reye syndrome.