Is 99.4 a fever for a child underarm?
My 6-year-old son is feeling warm. I checked his underarm temperature, and it's 99.4. Is this considered a fever for a child when taken underarm?
Topic
Child Health
5 answers
4 months ago
Most liked
Underarm readings are usually one degree lower than oral readings. So an underarm reading of 99.4 means the actual body temp might be around 100.4, which is a mild fever for a child. Keep them comfortable, give them fluids, and consult your pediatrician.
4 months ago
Hey, don't panic. Underarm temperatures can sometimes be a bit tricky to measure if the child is moving. Keep them hydrated, wipe them with a damp cloth if they feel too warm, and call the doctor just to be safe.
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4 months ago
I know how terrifying it is when your child feels warm and you keep checking the thermometer every minute. Underarm readings run slightly lower, so 99.4 could mean a mild fever is starting. Take a deep breath and call your doctor to ease your mind.
4 months ago
Yes, underarm readings are lower, so 99.4 indicates a mild fever. Please consult your pediatrician once.
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4 months ago
According to most pediatric health trackers, you generally add 0.5 to 1 degree to an underarm reading to get the core temperature. So 99.4 underarm is likely around 100 degrees, indicating a mild fever. Log their temperature every few hours to track the trend.