If Your Child Develops a Fever

While a fever generally is not something to be overly concerned about, some cases require medical intervention. Fever triggers include an infection, overdressing (particularly newborns) and immunizations. A high fever should be treated without delay to prevent discomfort and possible dehydration.

You should seek immediate care if there's:

- Crying that won't stop.

- Extreme irritability or fussiness.

- Trouble waking up.

- A rash or purple spots that look like bruises (that weren't there before your child got sick).

- Blue lips, tongue or nails.

- The child's soft spot on the head appears to be bulging or sunken.

- A stiff neck.

- A severe headache.

- Limpness or refusal to move.

- Trouble breathing that doesn't get better when the nose is cleared.

- Leaning forward and drooling.

- Seizure.

- Moderate-to-severe belly pain.