When Should I Call the Doctor?
The exact temperature that should trigger a call to the doctor depends on a child’s age,
the illness, and whether there are other symptoms with the fever. Call your doctor if you have an: -infant younger than 3 months old with a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher -older child with a temperature of higher than 102.2°F (39°C) -refuses fluids or seems too ill to drink adequately -has lasting diarrhea or repeated vomiting -has any signs of dehydration (peeing less than usual, not having tears when crying, less alert and less active than usual) -has a specific complaint (like a sore throat or earache) -still has a fever after 24 hours (in kids younger than 2 years old) or 72 hours (in kids 2 years or older) -is getting fevers a lot, even if they only last a few hours each night -has a chronic medical problem, such as heart disease, cancer, lupus, or sickle cell disease -has a rash -has pain while peeing