Fever in an infant who is less than 3 months old is cause for concern.
“A fever in this age group can be a sign of a serious bacterial infection that requires urgent medical treatment,” says Dr. Seth Gregory, a Mayo Clinic Health System pediatrician.
One study identified a serious bacterial infection in 10 percent of infants with a fever between 1 day and 2 months of life. While you do not have to check a temperature on a healthy-looking infant, it is important to check a temperature on your child if there are signs of illness or you believe your child may have a fever.
• HOW TO TELL IF YOUR INFANT IS SICK:
Determining if an infant is ill can be difficult, but there are several signs that your infant may be sick. These signs include, but are not limited to:
• Crying and fussy — even after efforts to comfort them.
• Hard to awaken or seems weaker and more tired than usual.
• Is feeding poorly.
• Feels warm to the touch.
• Has a new skin rash.
• Vomiting beyond the normal spitting up.
• Has a cough.
• Is breathing quicker or harder than usual.
• Appears to have pale or yellow skin.
• WHAT IS A FEVER?
The definition of a fever is a single temperature reading of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or greater. However, not all methods of taking an infant’s temperature are accurate.