It can be hard to know whether you should call your health professional when your child has a fever, especially during the cold and flu season. The degree of the fever may not be related to the seriousness of the illness. The way your child looks and acts is a better guide than the thermometer. Most children will be less active when they have a fever.

If your child is comfortable and alert, eating well, drinking enough fluids, urinating normal amounts, and seems to be improving, home treatment without medicine is all that is needed for a fever of 100F to 102F. If you are not able to measure your child's temperature, look for other symptoms of illness and follow these home treatment measures.

• Encourage your child to drink extra fluids or suck on Popsicles. Your child should be urinating at least every 6 to 8 hours.
• Dress your child lightly, and do not wrap him or her in blankets. Dressing lightly will help your child's body cool down.

Keep your child comfortable

Lowering your child's temperature is important when the fever is causing discomfort. If the fever is higher than 102F and your child is uncomfortable:

• Try giving your child a sponge bath with lukewarm water. Do not use cold water, ice, or rubbing alcohol.
• Encourage quiet activities.
• Watch for signs of dehydration.

Symptoms to Watch For During Home Treatment

Use the Check Your Symptoms section to evaluate your child's symptoms if any of the following occur during home treatment:

• Your child's temperature gets higher and he or she appears sicker than before.
• You suspect your child has an extremely high fever.
• Home treatment is not making your child feel better.
• There is a significant decrease in your child's activity level or level of consciousness, or your child acts confused or struggles with you for no reason.
• Signs of dehydration develop.
• Pain develops or the pain becomes more severe.
• Fever lasts longer than 72 hours.
• Symptoms become more severe or frequent.