When a child feels warm, parents often reach for a thermometer. Understanding what constitutes a fever in children is important for accurate assessment and appropriate response. Body temperature fluctuates, and a slightly elevated reading can be confusing. Knowing typical ranges and what specific temperatures indicate can help guide decision-making.
Understanding Normal Body Temperature in Children
A child’s body temperature naturally fluctuates throughout the day, influenced by activity levels, time of day, and emotions. The average is around 97.52°F (36.4°C), but a normal range can extend from 95.9°F to 99.5°F orally, or 97.9°F to 100.4°F rectally.
Different methods measure a child’s temperature with varying accuracy. Rectal temperature is the most accurate, especially for infants under three, as it provides a reading closest to the body’s core temperature. Oral temperature is suitable for children four and older who can hold the thermometer.
Armpit (axillary) temperatures are less accurate. Ear (tympanic) thermometers are reliable for children over six months. Temporal artery thermometers, which scan the forehead, offer a quick and convenient way to measure temperature.
Assessing a Temperature of 99.6 in Children
A temperature of 99.6°F (37.5°C) requires considering the measurement method and the child’s overall condition. For rectal temperature, 99.6°F is generally within the normal range, as a fever is typically defined as 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher. Some sources consider a rectal temperature up to 100.3°F (37.9°C) to be within a normal daily fluctuation.
If taken orally, 99.6°F is often a slightly elevated temperature, but not necessarily a fever, which is usually 100°F (37.8°C) or 100.4°F (38.0°C) and above. If measured under the armpit, 99.6°F would be considered a fever, as the axillary threshold is generally 99°F (37.2°C) or 99.4°F (37.5°C). For ear or temporal artery measurements, 99.6°F typically falls below the fever threshold of 100.4°F (38.0°C). Some healthcare providers classify temperatures between 99.6°F and 100.3°F as a low-grade fever, recognizing it as an elevation not always cause for significant concern on its own.
When to Seek Medical Advice and What to Do
When a child has a temperature, observing their behavior and other symptoms is as important as the thermometer reading. For infants younger than three months, a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher warrants immediate medical attention. If a child between three and six months old has a temperature of 102°F (38.9°C) or higher, medical advice should be sought. Regardless of the temperature, certain symptoms indicate a need for medical evaluation, such as extreme irritability, lethargy, difficulty breathing, a stiff neck, or a rash that does not fade when pressed. Signs of dehydration, including decreased urination, dry mouth, or sunken eyes, also require medical attention.
For a low-grade temperature like 99.6°F, especially if the child is older than three months and appears comfortable and active, home care is generally appropriate. Encourage the child to drink plenty of fluids, such as water, breast milk, formula, or electrolyte solutions. Dress the child in light clothing to allow body heat to escape. While fever-reducing medications like acetaminophen (for infants over two months) and ibuprofen (for those six months and older) can be given, they are not always necessary for a low-grade temperature if the child is not uncomfortable. The goal of medication is to improve comfort, not simply to lower the number on the thermometer. Never give aspirin to children due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.