• Knowledgebase: Fever Questions

    Answers to Questions about fevers.

    4. What do YOU call a "fever"? - Top

    Many authorities disagree on how high a temperature needs to be before it is called a "fever". For infants under 2 months of age, most experts would agree 100.5 degrees F is a fever, and for older children 101 degrees F is a fever. This applies to temperatures taken with a glass thermometer, either rectally or orally (in the mouth). Always report the temperature as you read it. Do NOT add a degree for this or take away a degree for that- tell it like it is. Axillary (arm pit) temperatures should be avoided as they can be very inaccurate. Thermoscan (ear temperature) thermometers are fine for older kids, but should not be used under 2 months- a time when accurate temperatures need to be taken. - Updated: March 4, 2001

    [e-Mail me the Knowledgebase]-   [Search our Knowledgebase] -  [Question Not Answered?]    


    • James L Horwitz, MD

    David C. Thomas, MD

    Barbara Lindberg, PNP