[fusion_text]Fever is one of the most common symptoms that every child goes through. There must not be a single child in the world who has never had fever in her life.

Every parent should read about what to do in case one’s child has fever. The ticklish question remains as to when to consult your child’s pediatrician and when to manage on your own.

Red Flags in a child who has fever

You should contact your child’s pediatrician if:

1. Your child is less than three months of age with fever that is > 38° C, irrespective of whether the child looks well or not.
2. Your child is more than three months of age, has fever that is > 38° C for more than three days or appears ill (clinging to you, unusually drowsy, irritable, fussy and has decreased his intake of oral food/fluids).
3. Children who are between 3 months to 36 months and who have fever that is > 38.9° C / 102° F.
4. Children of any age whose temperature is > 40° C.
5. If the child develops convulsions with the fever. Seizures or convulsions typically occur only when the body temperature is > 38° C. If this happens, bring the child to emergency room immediately.
6. Repeated Fevers – in children of any age.
7. Chronic preexisting illnesses like known heart disease, convulsions or nephrotic syndrome or who are immunocompromised in any way (HIV/any cancer/diabetes), etc and develop fever.
8. Children who have fever and develop a new rash.
9. Associated urinary, or other symptoms, such as a stiff neck, severe headache, severe sore throat, severe ear pain, an unexplained rash, or repeated vomiting or diarrhea.
10. Children who have been in a very hot area like an overheated car or out in the sun.
11. Children who have immune system problems, such as sickle cell disease or cancer, or is taking steroids
12. Your child still “acts sick” even after his fever is brought down.
13. Your child seems to be getting worse.
14. The fever persists for more than 24 hours in a child younger than 2 years.
15. The fever persists for more than 3 days (72 hours) in a child 2 years of age or older.

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