Technically, a fever is any temperature above your normal temperature; most adults' normal temperature is 98.6° Fahrenheit.
For infants and toddlers, the threshold is slightly lower. You should seek medical attention for a child under 3 months who has a rectal temperature of 100.4° F or higher. For children 3 to 6 months, seek medical attention if they’re especially irritable, lethargic or uncomfortable with a rectal temperature of 102° F, or have a rectal temperature above 102° F.
For children 6 to 24 months, seek medical attention for a temperature of 102° F or higher that lasts longer than a day with no other symptoms; if they have other symptoms, you can seek medical attention sooner.
FEVER CATEGORIES/TEMPERATURE RANGES
Any elevated temperature in an infant, especially newborns, should be reported immediately to the pediatrician or obstetrician for care instructions, which may include hospitalization.
99.0-99.5 RANGE: SLIGHT - continue normal activities with caution.
99.6-101.9 RANGE: MILD - take little action, stay at home, sleep and rest.
102.0-102.9 RANGE: MODERATE- drink lots of fluids (at room temp of 72) to avoid dehydration, sleep and rest, don't use fever reducers yet unless instructed by a health care professional. Eat normal diet including fruits and vegetables to provide fiber and prevent constipation from slight dehydration.
103.0-104.9 RANGE: SEVERE - get to a doctor, use fever reducers sparingly (keep temp between 100-102 degrees to fight off your illness), get lots and lots of rest, eat normal amounts of healthy foods with fiber to ensure the digestive system is still functioning normally and avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids.
105.0-106.6 RANGE: DANGER- call 911, get immediate medical attention.
106.7+: LIFE-THREATENING- death or coma is possible, dial 911, and get medical attention right away. Hyperpyrexia and other disorders and diseases can cause fevers this high.
NORMAL, SMALL/LOW GRADE FEVER, FEVER, HIGH FEVER
Oral Measurement:
NORMAL: 97.0-98.9
SMALL FEVER: 99.0-99.5
FEVER: 99.6-100.9
HIGH FEVER: 101.0+
Axilary Measurement:
NORMAL: 96.0-98.6
SMALL FEVER: 98.7-98.9
FEVER: 99.0-100.3
HIGH FEVER: 100.4+
Rectal Measurement (infants only):
NORMAL: 98.0-99.9
SMALL FEVER: 100.0-100.3
FEVER: 100.4-101.9
HIGH FEVER: 102.0+
Forehead Scan (new method)
NORMAL: 97.6-99.5
SMALL FEVER: 99.6-100.0
FEVER: 100.1-101.6
HIGH FEVER: 101.7+
Ear Measurement (least accurate)
NORMAL: 97.7-99.5
SMALL FEVER: 99.6-100.3
FEVER: 100.4-102.1
HIGH FEVER: 102.2+ You have a low fever when your body temperature is at least 99.5. Below 99.5 is considered as normal body temperature.
99.6 or above