How Long is Too Long for a Child’s Fever?
- 8 hours ago
- 6 min read
After an illness, symptoms can spring up and knock us down with little to no warning, especially in children. So, how long is too long for a child’s fever? Well, let’s see. Your kid is sick, and you don’t know what to do. They have missed a lot of school this week. You’ve tried fever-reducing over-the-counter medicines, lukewarm baths, extra fluids, and plenty of rest.
But they’re still burning up when you place your hand on their clammy forehead. Rest assured, many parents have been in this predicament. Luckily, getting answers and peace of mind is possible when you know what medical providers to turn to. When in doubt, seek medical attention.
Generally speaking, it is normal for low-grade fevers to last a few days. If your child is older and you are on day 3-5 without any relief, or if other symptoms appear such as widespread rash, blue lips or tongue, stick neck, bad headache, breathing trouble, belly pain, nonstop crying, limpness or weakness, or odd behavior, seek medical attention for your child. Our pediatric team in Anchorage is available for same-day urgent care and telemedicine visits across Alaska. Call 907-222-5090 for our office, or call 911 for a life-threatening situation.
Understanding Fever in Children and Knowing When to Worry
When we see fever in children, when to worry is based on the temperature reading, your child’s age, and the length of the fever. Let’s look at the facts behind fevers in children, when to worry, and when to let it take its course without harm to the child. A fever is generally considered anything over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, with the human body resting at an average of 98.6 degrees.
Most medical providers agree that fevers are not too worrisome unless they last longer than 3 to five days (for older children). In the meantime, you can offer comfort by dressing them in light clothing, providing plenty of fluids, encouraging rest, bathing them in lukewarm water, and cooling them with fans or damp cloths. It is always important for parents to remain calm. You can find a list of tips and instructions for treating a child with a fever here.
When To See A Doctor for a Child’s Fever
You should seek a doctor and start to worry if there’s a fever that won’t go away in your child. A fever comes up when the body is fighting off germs. It’s actually a good thing and a normal immune system response. So, how long should a child’s fever last? Here’s what you need to know if your child falls in any of the age ranges below:
Child's Age | What To Do |
Under 3 months | Fever of 100.4°F or higher, seek care |
3–12 months | Fever of 102.2°F or higher, contact a provider. For temperatures of 103°F or higher, same-day evaluation is recommended. |
1–3 years | Fever of 102.2°F or higher that lasts more than 24 hours or is accompanied by other symptoms, seek care. |
3–12 years | Fever of 103°F and higher that doesn't respond to medication, lasts more than 72 hours, or comes with concerning symptoms, see a provider. |
12+ years | If the fever reaches 104°F or higher or won't come down, seek same-day care. |
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Seattle Children's Hospital
Causes and Risk Factors for Fevers in Children
One of the most common causes of fever in children is infection. This happens when the body is fighting off germs. These infections can be viral, such as the common cold and flu, or bacterial, such as Strep throat, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and ear infections.
Risk factors for fever in children can vary depending on their age, environment, and health condition. Infants are at a higher risk for infections, especially because their immune systems are still developing. For toddlers and school-aged children, contact with viruses at daycare and school is also a risk factor.
Other risk factors include:
Exposure to germs
Weakened Immune systems
Lack of vaccinations
Contact with sick individuals
Please note that if your child is medically complex, other risk factors may be present, and a doctor’s appointment might be warranted.
Treating a Child’s Fever
What Does Treatment for a Fever Look Like at Alaska Children’s Urgent Care and Outreach?
Expert care from a doctor at our pediatric fever care in Anchorage is what you can expect at Alaska Children’s Urgent Care and Outreach. One of our doctors would encourage rest, fluids, and weight-based doses of acetaminophen or ibuprofen. While these remedies can be provided at home, a doctor can also assess a child for signs of dehydration, infection, and other root causes that might explain the fever. They can also offer advice tailored to your child and create a care plan that takes into account your child's unique medical history.
When you need pediatric fever care in Anchorage and the surrounding areas, you can reach out to Alaska Children’s Urgent Care and Outreach. Our walk-in clinic is open Sunday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For reduced wait times, book ahead of time!
Can a Fever be treated via Telehealth?
Alaska Children’s Urgent Care and Outreach has developed an innovative telemedicine initiative to better reach kids across the state. Telemedicine is a video visit with a board-certified pediatric specialist using your phone, tablet, or computer. Thanks to the expertise, professionalism, and compassion of our staff, telemedicine facilitates a true clinical experience for patients, especially those who live in remote areas or need help outside traditional business hours.
Our team is even available to help while your child is at school, thanks to our outreach program and collaboration with school nurses. We provide assessment and age-appropriate guidance, along with instructions for parents looking for the next steps.
Here are some of the other issues we can treat through telehealth methods:
Ear pain
Sore throat and cough
Rashes and skin concerns
Pink eye
Cold and flu symptoms
Minor wounds and burns
Chronic illnesses
Minor allergic reactions
Newborn and infant questions
Medication refills and follow-up care
Parenting guidance and anticipatory care questions
Not all situations are appropriate for telemedicine. Fevers and other typical childhood ailments are usually well treated with these methods.
Help is never too far! Our telemedicine team is available from 8 am to midnight, 7 days a week.
Alaskan Families Need Quality Pediatric Care for Fevers and Other Illnesses
Fevers are one of the most common ailments children experience, along with common cold and flu symptoms and stomach bugs. Alaskan children younger than 5 also have high rates of lower respiratory tract infections (like pneumonia and bronchiolitis), leading to hospitalizations. In fact, according to the National Library of Medicine, American Indian and Alaska Native children have shown persistently higher rates of LRTI-associated hospitalizations compared to the general US child population.
It’s these types of illnesses - fevers, respiratory infections, minor wounds, etc. - where our team at Alaska Children’s Urgent Care and Outreach really shines. Our trained pediatric specialists know exactly how to handle these cases because they have a solid understanding of the development, anatomy, and physiology of children ages 0-18. They rely on best practices and innovative communication techniques to deliver premium medical care to children across Alaska. When you need pediatric fever care in Anchorage and across Alaska, you can trust us to offer high-quality support.
In-Person Clinic: Serves the greater Anchorage area, open for appointments and walk-ins Sunday through Friday from 11 am to 7 pm and Saturdays from 11 am to 5 pm
Telemedicine: Statewide service, open daily 8 am to midnight
School Telemedicine: Collaboration with schools, open Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4 pm
Ready to connect with a pediatric provider?
Medical Disclaimer: This article is designed to offer information for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Please reach out to a qualified medical provider for diagnosis and care options tailored to you and your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high a fever is too high?
A fever is considered anything above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. If your child is an infant, that number should trigger a call to a medical professional. For babies, call the doctor if the fever reaches 102 degrees. For older children, fevers that reach 104 or 105 degrees would warrant a doctor’s appointment.
Can a doctor really evaluate my child over video?
Yes, a doctor can evaluate children over video through telemedicine. It is an optional and effective way to assess and treat a wide range of common childhood illnesses, including a fever. A pediatric specialist can ask detailed questions, observe your child’s symptoms, and prescribe medication, if needed, all during a telemedicine visit. If your child needs to be seen in person, the specialist will tell you and help coordinate the next steps.
Should I give my child medicine for a fever?
Yes, you can give children medicine for fevers if they are uncomfortable or in pain. They can generally take acetaminophen and ibuprofen for a fever. It is important to read the labels and give kids doses that correspond to their weight. If your child has allergies to these medications or is medically complex, consult a doctor beforehand.
What should I do for a fever that won’t go away in a child?
If a child's fever won’t go away, start with a telemedicine visit. A pediatric provider can evaluate your child and help you determine whether they need to be seen in person. The provider will suggest ways to get the fever down and look for underlying causes. For many families in rural Alaska, a telemedicine visit is the fastest way to get a clear picture of what's going on and what to do next.
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