For infants under 3 months, any fever of 100.4F or higher is serious and requires immediate medical attention.
For children 3 to 12 months, a high-grade fever over 102F also needs a healthcare providers evaluation.
In adults, a low-grade fever isn’t usually concerning unless it comes and goes.
Illustration by JR Bee for Verywell Health
But in babies, any fever at all can signal a serious problem.
For children, dosing is weight-dependent, and some common medications should only be given in certain age ranges.
For example, Motrin is not typically given until age 6 months.
The oral and tympanic methods are both accurate, but only when done properly.
An infant’s temperature should be taken with a rectal thermometer.
If you are an adult with a fever of 104F or higher, you should also seek medical care.
While a fever itself is not harmful, it can be a sign of a serious medical condition.
Stamford Health.Fevers in adults, children, and toddlers: When to worry.
Harvard Health Publishing.Fever in adults: When to worry.
Seattle Children’s.Fever (0-12 months).
Nemours Children’s Health.Fevers.
American Academy of Family Physicians.Fever in infants and children.
Mayo Clinic.Fever: Symptoms and causes.
