Generally, a fever lasting up to 3 days is considered normal for a child aged 2 years or older. However, for children younger than 2 years, a fever lasting more than 24 hours should be evaluated by a doctor.
It's important to monitor the child's overall condition, not just the duration of the fever.
Here's a breakdown:
- Under 2 years: A fever lasting more than 24 hours warrants a call to the doctor.
- 2 years and older: A fever lasting more than 3 days (72 hours) warrants a call to the doctor.
While the duration of the fever is a factor, other symptoms should also be considered. Seek medical advice if the child experiences any of the following along with a fever:
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck
- Rash
- Dehydration
- Seizures
- Unusual lethargy or irritability
In summary, while a fever is often a sign of the body fighting off an infection, prolonged fever or fever accompanied by concerning symptoms needs medical evaluation. A fever lasting more than 3 days in children 2 years and older, or more than 24 hours in children younger than 2, is generally considered cause for concern.
