A child with a fever has an abnormally elevated body temperature over 100.4 degrees F (38 C). Young children with a fever should be managed more carefully than an adult with a fever.

The following children require an evaluation by a physician:

• A child less than 2 months old, who has a fever over 100.4 degrees F (38 C)
• A child less than 2 years old, who has a fever over 101.9 degrees F (38.8 C)
• A child less than 2 years old, who has a fever longer than 1 day
• A child with a fever over 102.9 degrees F (39.4 C)
• A child with a fever that lasts longer than 3 days