HOW HIGH IS TOO HIGH
Dear Dr.Bear,
My baby is now 3 months old and has a cold; how high a fever is too high? When should I call in or have the baby seen?
Sincerely,
Worried?
Dear Worried?,
The younger a child is the more we worry about any fever. We worry about over 100.5° until 2 months of age. Is anyone else ill? Are there any associated symptoms?
We never treat a fever unless over 101.5° -- don't use Tylenol or Motrin products unless fever is up (see our infant baby book for guidelines for management of fever) and then realize many subtle symptoms may be masked. If over 101° for a day or two would go to see the doctor until you are able to recognize symptoms and signs of more serious illness.
Sincerely,
Dr. Bear
