Viral Fever in Children

A fever, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), is a signal that the body is fighting invading bacteria, or in the case of a viral fever, viruses. While most viral fevers go away on their own, some can signal a dangerous condition that needs immediate medical evaluation.

Diagnosing a Fever

• The AAP classifies a temperature above 100 degrees F as a fever. A rectal thermometer provides the most accurate reading in children under 3; oral thermometers are effective for older children.

Common Causes

• Viral fevers accompany respiratory illnesses, severe colds, the flu and other viral illnesses. Sometimes parents never learn the cause of a fever because it proves effective at fighting the invading virus before it can fully manifest itself.

Febrile Convulsions

• A fever in young children can trigger febrile convulsions. While most often harmless, the AAP advises parents to consult a pediatrician as soon as possible after their child first experiences one.

Treatment

• Acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help lower a fever and relieve accompanying discomfort. Because antibiotics treat bacterial infections, they are not prescribed for viral fevers.

When to Call a Doctor

• The AAP advises parents to call a pediatrician for the following: a fever of at least 100.2 degrees F in infants younger than 3 months old; a fever of at least 101 in infants 3 to 6 months old; and a fever of at least 103 in older infants and children.