What is considered a high fever?
High fevers are more common in children than in adults, but will usually respond to Tylenol or Motrin. A lukewarm bath may also be used if the temperature does not go down. Much more important than the height of the temperature, though, is how the child is acting. (Treat the child, not the fever). Even if the fever is not very high, but the child is lethargic or out of it, this is a cause for concern. By the same token, if the temperature is a high 104 degrees but the child is playing and active, one can treat the fever without being too concerned. We do not want a temperature of less than 101 degrees to be treated since an elevated temperature does serve a purpose in fighting infection. Fever starts at 101.4 degrees and below that is normal. We do take seriously a fever in an infant up to 4 months. The doctor should be called if there is a temperature of 101 degrees or higher in a young baby.
