Quick answer
Fever is a normal response of a child's body to an infection, not an illness itself. At home, keep your child hydrated and lightly dressed. Seek medical care if they are under 3 months old, if the fever is very high or lasts more than 3 days, or if you see signs like trouble breathing, skin spots, extreme lethargy, or seizures. AVA Médica offers walk-in care 7 days a week.
Few things worry a parent more than a child who feels hot with fever. The first helpful thing to know is that fever is not an illness: it's how a child's body fights an infection. In most cases it passes and can be managed at home.
What counts as a fever?
A fever is a body temperature above 38 °C (100.4 °F). Between 37.5 and 38 °C it's considered a slightly raised temperature. More than the exact number, watch how the child is doing: their mood, color, and whether they're drinking fluids.
What you can do at home
- Offer fluids often to keep them hydrated.
- Dress them lightly and keep the room cool; avoid over-bundling.
- Let them rest; the body recovers better at rest.
- Any fever medicine should be given only as directed by a doctor and at the right dose for their weight.
Warning signs: seek medical care if…
- The baby is under 3 months old and has a fever.
- The fever is very high or lasts more than 3 days.
- They have trouble breathing or are breathing very fast.
- Skin spots appear that don't fade when pressed.
- They are very lethargic, irritable, not responding as usual, or refusing fluids.
- They have a seizure.
With any of these signs, the safest step is to have a doctor evaluate the child as soon as possible.
We're close when you need us
At AVA Médica we offer walk-in visits 7 days a week. If your child has a fever and you're not sure what to do, we can check them and give you peace of mind.
This information is general and does not replace a medical consultation. Always consult your doctor for a personalized diagnosis and treatment.