• Knowledgebase: Fever Questions

    Answers to Questions about fevers.

    5. How high a fever is "too high"? - Top

    I would say that the height of a fever is not nearly as important as how the child looks. I am much more worried about a child with a 101' fever who looks *sick* than a child with a 105' fever that is playing with toys, drinking, and reasonably happy.

    I would recommend trying to reduce fevers to 102' F or less. By doing so, you decrease the child's fluid requirements, and unnecessary stress on the body.

    It is very rare for a fever to ever get above 105 degrees. Start treating the high fevers as soon as you notice it- Tylenol or Advil, (NO ASPIRIN), and get the child in the tub and pour water over him. Evaporation of water from your child's skin is very effective in reducing fever. - Updated: March 5, 2001

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    • James L Horwitz, MD

    David C. Thomas, MD

    Barbara Lindberg, PNP