Fever

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Symptom Definition

• Fever is the only symptom
• Rectal temperature above 100.4°F (38.0°C).
• Oral temperature above 99.5°F (37.5°C).
• Axillary (armpit) temperature above 99.0°F (37.2°C).
• Pacifier temperature above 100°F (38.0°C) New digital electronic ones are accurate.
• Ear (tympanic) temperature above 100.4°F(38.0 C) (Note: Not reliable for less than 6 months old.)
• Temporal artery (TA) temperature above 100.4 F (38.0 C) (Note: more reliable than tympanic thermometers, but not to be used for children under 6 months old)

Causes

• Main cause: colds and other viral infections. Fever may be the only symptom for the first 12-24 hours (ie viral fevers). The onset of symptoms (runny nose, cough, diarrhea, etc.) are often delayed. In the case of Roseola, fever may be the only symptom for 2 or 3 days. The cause of the fever often can't be determined during the first 24 hours.

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

• Other symptom is present with the fever, see that topic (e.g., COLDS, COUGH, SORE THROAT, EARACHE, SINUS PAIN, DIARRHEA, VOMITING, RASHES, WIDESPREAD AND CAUSE UNKNOWN).