Smita Agarwal Smita Agarwal Asked 4 months ago

When to bring child to er for fever?

My son is 4 years old and has had a high fever for the last two days. We've been giving him paracetamol, but it's not coming down completely. When should we actually bring a child to the ER for a fever, what are the red flags?

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7 answers

Sunita Das Sunita Das Joined Mar 2026 4 months ago
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Oh, the ER for fever! My kids loved giving me these scares. Generally, under 3 months with *any* fever means ER. For older kids, if it's super high, not coming down with meds, or they're having trouble breathing, looking really sick, or drowsy, then it's ER time. Don't wait for miracles; just go.

Deepika Singh Deepika Singh Joined Jan 2026 4 months ago

It's so heartbreaking and terrifying when your child is sick, especially with a high fever. I remember feeling so helpless. You should definitely go to the ER if your child is under 3 months old and has any fever, or if they are older with a fever above 104°F (40°C), has difficulty breathing, severe headache, stiff neck, seizures, or is unusually drowsy or unresponsive. Trust your instincts, if you feel something is really wrong, go.

Meera Patel Meera Patel Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

While diet supports immunity, for a child's fever, especially in infants, you must prioritize medical attention. If the child is under 3 months with a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or above, it's an emergency. For older children, if the fever is very high, they are not eating or drinking, unresponsive, or showing any worrying symptoms like breathing difficulties, please go to the ER immediately. Don't rely on home remedies for such critical situations.

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Arjun Patel Arjun Patel Joined Feb 2026 4 months ago

This is crucial for parents. If your child is under 3 months and has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, go to the ER. For older kids, if the fever is very high (above 104°F), or if they seem unusually sick, have difficulty breathing, or show signs of dehydration, don't delay. Keep them hydrated and resting, but this is a serious call for the ER, not just home remedies.

Akash Sharma Akash Sharma Joined Feb 2026 4 months ago

My little cousin had a high fever once, and my aunt rushed him to the ER because he was so floppy and wasn't eating. The doc said any baby under 3 months with a fever needs to go. For older kids, if it's super high or they're acting really off, like can't wake them up properly, just go. Don't mess around.

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Sneha Reddy Sneha Reddy Joined Jan 2026 4 months ago

Oh, I totally get how nerve-wracking a child's fever can be! For infants under 3 months, any fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher means a direct trip to the ER. For older children, if the fever is very high, they're having trouble breathing, are extremely lethargic, or show any concerning signs like a rash or stiff neck, don't hesitate. It's always best to be safe with little ones.

Prakash Joshi Prakash Joshi Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

With kids, a fever can be tricky. My rule for ER is: if it's a baby under 3 months with *any* fever (100.4°F or higher), go immediately. For older kids, if fever is over 104°F, or if they have trouble breathing, a rash, seizures, stiff neck, severe headache, persistent vomiting, or extreme lethargy, don't think twice, head to the ER.

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