Kavita Das Kavita Das Asked 10 months ago

What is considered a bad fever?

My little son had a fever yesterday, and I was confused about when to worry. He felt very warm, but it wasn't super high on the thermometer. At what temperature do doctors consider it a 'bad fever' that needs immediate attention?

5

5 answers

Savitri Sharma Savitri Sharma Joined Jul 2026 3 months ago
Most liked

A fever crossing 102 or 103 degrees is definitely considered high and bad. You can use cold water compresses on the forehead to bring it down temporarily. But please don't rely only on home remedies for such high temperatures; go see a doctor immediately.

Karan Johar Karan Johar Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

If your thermometer looks like it is trying to score a century and crosses 103 F, that's a bad fever! At that point, you'll feel like a boiled potato. Stop searching on Google and get yourself to a clinic before you start hallucinating.

Vikram Sethi Vikram Sethi Joined Feb 2026 9 months ago

My family doctor explained that 103 F (39.4 C) or higher in adults is considered a high-grade or bad fever. He also mentioned that the actual number matters less than accompanying symptoms like neck stiffness, confusion, or difficulty breathing. If you have those, seek emergency medical care.

Powered by

Consult a internal medicine specialist

Manoj Tiwari Manoj Tiwari Joined Feb 2026 8 months ago

Anything above 102 F that doesn't come down in two days is a bad fever. It is better to consult a doctor early because waiting too long might lead to expensive emergency ward visits and costly blood tests like CBC and dengue profiles. Early clinic visits save a lot of money.

Aradhana Singh Aradhana Singh Joined Jul 2026 4 months ago

For kids, anything above 102 F is a high fever and needs urgent attention. If they are also shivering, vomiting, or showing extreme lethargy, do not wait at all. Keep paracetamol syrup ready as prescribed by your doctor and head to the clinic.

Evidence-based health, reviewed by clinicians. Free, weekly.