Fever in Children: When Should Parents Visit Pediatric Urgent Care?

What Temperature Is Considered a Fever in a Child?

A temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher is generally considered a fever. A fever is not an illness by itself. It is a sign that the immune system is responding to an infection or another condition.

Use a digital thermometer instead of relying on how warm your child’s forehead feels. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) notes that touching a child’s skin or using a fever strip is not a reliable way to measure temperature. For infants—especially babies younger than 3 months—a rectal temperature is the most accurate reading. Ear thermometers are not recommended for babies younger than 6 months because their ear canals are too small for a reliable measurement.

Fever caused by an infection is different from overheating or heatstroke. If your child became very hot after being in a hot car or another overheated environment, call 911 or go to the emergency department immediately.

Your Child’s Age Changes the Recommendation

Young babies can become seriously ill quickly, sometimes without obvious symptoms. That is why the same temperature can lead to different recommendations at different ages.

These age-related recommendations reflect current AAP guidance. A clinician may recommend earlier evaluation based on symptoms or medical history.

Look at the Whole Child, Not Only the Thermometer

A high number can be frightening, but temperature alone does not tell you how serious an illness is. A child with a moderate fever who is difficult to wake may need more urgent care than a child with a higher fever who is alert, drinking fluids and interacting normally.

• AlertnessIs your child making eye contact, responding normally and becoming more comfortable?
• BreathingIs breathing comfortable, or is it fast, noisy, labored or pulling the ribs inward?
• HydrationIs your child drinking, producing tears and urinating or having wet diapers?
• Skin ColorAre the lips and face their normal color? Is there a purple or blood-colored rash?
• Pain and SymptomsIs there severe headache, stiff neck, ear pain, vomiting, diarrhea or pain with urination?
• Medical HistoryDoes your child have an immune, heart, blood or other serious medical condition?

Home Care, Pediatric Urgent Care or the Emergency Room?

When Pediatric Urgent Care May Be Appropriate

Pediatric urgent care is designed for prompt evaluation of non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. It can be especially helpful when your child’s regular pediatrician is unavailable and your child is stable but should not wait several days for care.

Consider a same-day pediatric urgent care visit for:

• A fever that persists, returns or is getting worse
• Ear pain or a possible ear infection
• Sore throat or possible strep throat
• Cough, congestion or flu-like symptoms without emergency breathing signs
• Vomiting or diarrhea when the child can still take some fluids
• Pain or burning with urination or a possible urinary tract infection
• A new rash without purple or blood-colored spots or other emergency signs
• A child who continues to act ill after the temperature comes down
• Any non-emergency symptom that concerns you or seems unusual for your child

A clinician may be able to identify an ear infection, throat infection, respiratory illness, urinary problem or another possible cause. Antibiotics do not treat viral infections, so the examination—and sometimes testing—helps determine the appropriate next step.

What to Expect at a Pediatric Urgent Care Visit

1. History and symptom review. The care team may ask about age, symptom timing, highest temperature, measurement method, fluid intake, urine output, medication, exposures and medical history.
2. Vital signs. The visit may include temperature, pulse, breathing rate and oxygen level when clinically appropriate.
3. Physical examination. A clinician may examine the ears, throat, lungs, skin, abdomen and hydration based on the symptoms.
4. Testing when indicated. Depending on the examination, the clinician may consider testing for flu, COVID-19, RSV or strep, or evaluating urine for a possible UTI.
5. Care and follow-up plan. Families receive treatment or comfort guidance when appropriate, follow-up instructions and warning signs that require emergency reevaluation.

How to Keep a Child Comfortable at Home

The goal of home fever care is comfort and hydration—not forcing the temperature back to normal.

Encourage Fluids

Offer small amounts frequently. Water or an age-appropriate oral rehydration drink may help older babies and children. For infants younger than 6 months, offer breast milk or formula unless the child’s clinician gives different instructions. Watch the frequency of wet diapers or bathroom trips.

Use Light Clothing

Dress your child in one light layer. If your child is shivering, offer a light blanket until the chills pass. Avoid bundling the child in heavy clothing.

Avoid Unsafe Cooling Methods

Do not use rubbing alcohol, alcohol baths or ice packs. The AAP no longer recommends these methods because they can cause adverse effects.

Use Fever Medicine Carefully

Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help a child feel more comfortable when used appropriately. They do not treat the underlying infection.

• Read and follow the product’s Drug Facts label.
• Dose by the child’s weight when the instructions provide weight-based dosing.
• Use the syringe or cup supplied with the medicine—not a kitchen spoon.
• Do not give more than one product containing acetaminophen at the same time.
• Do not give ibuprofen to a baby younger than 6 months unless the child’s doctor directs you to do so.
• Do not give aspirin or another salicylate-containing product unless a doctor specifically instructs you.
• Do not combine or alternate acetaminophen and ibuprofen unless a healthcare professional gives you a clear schedule.
• Write down the medicine, dose and time to prevent accidental double dosing.

What Parents Should Know About Febrile Seizures

Some children between approximately 6 months and 5 years of age can have a seizure triggered by a fever. These are called febrile seizures. They are frightening to witness, but most are brief and do not cause lasting harm. Fever medicine does not reliably prevent them.

If your child has a seizure:

1. Place the child on the floor or a bed away from hard or sharp objects.
2. Turn the child onto their side so saliva or vomit can drain from the mouth.
3. Loosen tight clothing around the neck.
4. Note the time the seizure starts.
5. Do not hold the child down or put anything in the child’s mouth.
6. Do not give food, liquid or medicine until the child is fully awake.

How Long Is Too Long for a Fever?

Do not wait for a particular number of days if your child has warning signs or is getting worse. For a stable child without emergency symptoms, contact the child’s doctor when:

• Fever lasts more than 24 hours in a child younger than 2 years.
• Fever lasts more than three days (72 hours) in a child age 2 or older.
• The child still acts ill after the fever comes down.
• The child’s condition is worsening.
• Fever or coughing improves and then returns or becomes worse.

Children with immune-system problems, heart conditions or other serious medical conditions may need earlier evaluation.

Pediatric Urgent Care in Stockton, Lodi, Manteca and Modesto

California Urgent Care Center provides walk-in and same-day care for many non-life-threatening pediatric illnesses at five San Joaquin Valley locations:

• Lodi2122 W. Kettleman Lane
• Stockton–Lorraine8001 Lorraine Avenue
• Stockton–Pershing5361 N. Pershing Avenue, Suite A
• Manteca411 E. Yosemite Avenue
• Modesto3500 Roselle Avenue

All locations are currently listed as open seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with the last walk-in accepted at 8:45 p.m. Hours and services can change, so check the locations page or contact the clinic before visiting.

Walk in or register online when your child has stable, non-emergency symptoms that need prompt evaluation. For a baby younger than 3 months with a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, go directly to an emergency department.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fever in Children