Fevers are often part of the body’s natural response to an infection. But your child’s age, temperature, symptoms and overall behavior can help you determine what to do next.
At Renown Health, families have several options for pediatric care, from a trusted primary care provider to urgent care and our pediatric emergency room.
For a life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Reviewed by Dr. Jose Cucalon Calderon, Renown Health Pediatrician and University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine Associate Professor
Start with your child’s primary care provider or an on-call pediatrician
For many childhood illnesses involving fever, your child’s pediatrician or primary care provider is a good first call. Your provider knows your child’s medical history and can help you understand their symptoms, recommend ways to keep them comfortable and determine next steps.
Contact your child’s healthcare provider promptly if:
A fever lasts more than three days.
A child younger than two years old has a fever lasting more than 24 hours.
Your child appears to be getting worse.
Your child continues to act sick even after their fever comes down.
If your family does not already have an established pediatrician, Renown offers pediatric primary care and online scheduling for new patient appointments, as well as an on-call pediatrician.
Sometimes your child needs to be seen sooner, but their condition doesn’t appear to require emergency care. That’s where Renown Urgent Care can help.
Renown’s urgent care locations provide care for patients of all ages, including infants and children. Urgent care can be a convenient option when your child needs prompt medical attention for an illness or symptoms that shouldn’t wait until their next scheduled appointment.
When a fever means it’s time for the emergency room
Some fever symptoms need a higher level of care. A visit to Renown Children's Hospital or your closest emergency room is recommended if:
Your baby is younger than three months and has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F or higher.
Your child has a fever above 104°F at any age.
Your child has been in an extremely hot environment.
Fever occurs with serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, seizures, signs of dehydration, unusual lethargy or changes in behavior.
Your child has an underlying health condition that makes a fever especially concerning.
Renown Children’s Hospital is northern Nevada’s dedicated pediatric hospital and offers the region’s only 24/7 emergency room specializing in emergency medical services for children. Renown Children’s Emergency Room located at 1155 Mill St. in Reno is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and provides emergency care specifically for children.
What to do at home
When your child’s symptoms are mild and medical care isn’t immediately necessary, the goal is to watch for changes and keep them comfortable by:
Encouraging plenty of fluids.
Dressing your child in lightweight clothing.
Offering quiet, restful activities.
Using lukewarm rather than cold water for bathing.
Monitoring your child’s temperature and symptoms.
Dr. Jose Cucalon Calderon shares several of his recommended thermometers here.
Checking with your child’s pediatrician about whether acetaminophen or ibuprofen is appropriate.
And remember: the number on the thermometer is only part of the picture. How your child is breathing, drinking, interacting and behaving can tell you a lot about how they’re feeling.
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Below, we answer some of the most common questions about what’s changing, what’s staying the same and what the collaboration could mean for your care.
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