A fever is a common sign of illness, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, fevers seem to play a key role in fighting infections. So should you treat a fever or let the fever run its course? Here's help making the call.
| Age | Temperature | What to do |
| Infants |
| Birth to 3 months |
100.4 F (38 C) or higher taken rectally |
Call the doctor, even if your child doesn't have any other signs or symptoms. |
| 3 months to 23 months |
Up to 102 F (38.9 C) taken orally |
Encourage your child to rest and drink plenty of fluids. Medication isn't needed. Call the doctor if your child seems unusually irritable, lethargic or uncomfortable. |
| 3 months to 23 months |
Above 102 F (38.9 C) taken orally |
Give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). If your child is age 6 months or older, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) is OK, too. Read the label carefully for proper dosage. Don't give aspirin to anyone age 18 or younger. Call the doctor if the fever doesn't respond to the medication or lasts longer than one day. |
| Children |
| 2 years to 18 years |
Up to 102 F (38.9 C) taken orally |
Encourage your child to rest and drink plenty of fluids. Medication isn't needed. Call the doctor if your child seems unusually irritable or lethargic or complains of significant discomfort. |
| 2 years through 18 years |
Above 102 F (38.9 C) taken orally |
Give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Read the label carefully for proper dosage. Don't give aspirin to anyone age 18 or younger. Call the doctor if the fever doesn't respond to the medication or lasts longer than three days. |
| Adults |
| Older than 18 years |
Up through 102 F (38.9 C) taken orally |
Rest and drink plenty of fluids. Medication isn't needed. Call the doctor if the fever is accompanied by a severe headache, stiff neck, shortness of breath, or other unusual signs or symptoms. |
| Older than 18 years |
Above 102 F (38.9 C) taken orally |
If you're uncomfortable, take acetaminophen, ibuprofen or aspirin. Read the label carefully for proper dosage. Call the doctor if the fever doesn't respond to the medication, is consistently 103 F (39.4 C) or higher, or lasts longer than three days. |
Last Updated: 2010-01-05
