Fever Phobia

When should I worry about fever, Doctor? 

I get this question daily in my office.  In patients over 60 days of age, with no other medical problems, I don't worry about fever unless it has lasted more than 3-4 days.  I worry about other symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, stiff neck, etc. regardless of fever.  Generally in these children, we don't worry much about the height of the fever.

Finally, remember that fever is defined as a temperature of 100.5. or more.  We don't even consider it to be a "High" fever until it is over 103.5 F.