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Fever treatment: Quick guide to treating a fever
By Mayo Clinic staffA fever is a common sign of illness, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, fevers seem to play a key role in fighting infections. So should you treat a fever or let the fever run its course? Here's help making the call.
| Age | Temperature | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Infants | ||
| Birth to 3 months | 100.4 F (38 C) or higher taken rectally | Call the doctor, even if your child doesn't have any other signs or symptoms. |
| 3 months to 24 months | Up to 102 F (38.9 C) taken orally | Encourage your child to rest and drink plenty of fluids. Medication isn't needed. Call the doctor if your child seems unusually irritable, lethargic or uncomfortable. |
| 3 months to 24 months | 102 F (38.9 C) or higher taken orally | Give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). If your child is age 6 months or older, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) is OK, too. Read the label carefully for proper dosage. Don't give aspirin to anyone age 18 or younger. Call the doctor if the fever doesn't respond to the medication or lasts longer than one day. |
| Children | ||
| 2 years to 18 years | Up to 102 F (38.9 C) taken orally | Encourage your child to rest and drink plenty of fluids. Medication isn't needed. Call the doctor if your child seems unusually irritable or lethargic or complains of significant discomfort. |
| 2 years to 18 years | 102 F (38.9 C) or higher taken orally | Give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Read the label carefully for proper dosage. Don't give aspirin to anyone age 18 or younger. Call the doctor if the fever doesn't respond to the medication or lasts longer than three days. |
| Adults | ||
| 18 years and older | Up to 102 F (38.9 C) taken orally | Rest and drink plenty of fluids. Medication isn't needed. Call the doctor if the fever is accompanied by a severe headache, stiff neck or other unusual signs or symptoms. |
| 18 years and older | 102 F (38.9 C) or higher taken orally | If you're uncomfortable, take acetaminophen, ibuprofen or aspirin. Read the label carefully for proper dosage. Call the doctor if the fever doesn't respond to the medication, is consistently 103 F (39.4 C) or higher, or lasts longer than three days. |
