By April Lieb, PA-C
Physician Assistant, Caughman Health Center

Fever. A common question for many parents is, “What is considered a fever?” Fever in children can be scary, but just because there is a fever does not always mean there is cause for alarm. Normal body temperature is considered 98.6 F (37 C). In the world of pediatrics, a fever is considered 100.4 F (38 C) per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

A fever helps the body by stimulating the immune system to fight the infection. Other common reasons children will develop a fever are overdressing, immunizations and occasionally teething, although in these cases the fever is typically less than 100 F. 

If your child is under three months old and has a fever of 100.4 F or higher, you should seek medical attention. 

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