High fever- no other symptoms, should I worry?

[mama2landon]

3-year old DS woke up with a fever that has been holding fairly steady from 102-103 all day. He's a little bit fussy, but otherwise not showing any other symptoms- no sore throat, rashes, stiff neck, upset stomach, etc. Not eating as well as normal, but has had some fruit and plenty of water. He's not energetic or talkative like usual, but not what I would call lethargic or listless, either.

Should I be taking him in to the hospital? I don't know whether I should worry or not- 103 seems rather high to me, and I always have a fear in the back of my mind about meningitis when his temperature creeps up there (had a cousin that nearly died of it when she was a baby). Any advice, please?

[Llyra]

I wouldn't worry too much. All of my kids have caught viruses that were like that. I would be keeping an eye out for other things that seem worrisome-- like a child getting dehydrated, or a child acting like he's in pain, or being unresponsive. More tired than usual, and having no appetite, and wanting to lie around all day--- those are normal for a child with a fever. But if he's so lethargic you can't get him to look up and listen to you when you talk (when he's not sleeping of course) that would worry me. A child this age with meningitis will likely rapidly develop a stiff and sore neck-- sore to the point that they won't allow you to hold them, or won't look sideways to see something interesting or unexpected.

I am myself not opposed to lowering fever with a child dose of ibuprofen. I'll do it if a child seems really uncomfortable, to give them a break and let them get some sound sleep. I'll also do it if I'm worried about more serious illness, because usually once you lower the fever, a child perks up and looks better. That's how you recognize a child who's not all that sick, underneath the fever. A child whose fever is down, and is still looking and acting terrible is the child doctors worry about.

So the height of the fever itself wouldn't worry me at all. I'd look at the whole child.

You may see other symptoms-- vomiting, for instance, or a rash-- emerge later, that will maybe give some clue as to what's going on. Or sometimes they just get a fever, and you never know why.

I sure hope he feels better soon. It's no fun to be sick.

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

Has he had Roseola yet? A fever without any other symptoms then 2-3 days later a rash is roseola. He hasnt complained of any pain while urinating? My dd's only symptom of UTI was a fever and blanching white when she urinated.

[Crazybean]

As long as my DS acts "normal", I don't worry until after he reaches 104+. I've been through many fevers now with him (who is also 3) and he usually spikes for 1-2 days and then he is fine- it is just how his body deals with things I guess.
Only you know your son and his behavior. Trust your gut if you think something is wrong. I can say I wouldn't be too worried in that same situation because I've been there with mine. The website askdrsears.com has some good info on high fevers. Usually, if I got paranoid leaving him in his room at night with a very high fever, I would give him half of a dose of motrin just to ease my mind so his fever would stay around 100 or so. Just remember, plenty of fluids is key and go for some sodium ascorbate!

[mama2landon]

He had a full body rash when he was a year old that the doctor visually diagnosed as roseola, no tests or anything.

He hasn't said anything about pain while urinating, but he is now complaining that his one eye is burning, so we've applied a cool wet cloth to it and also to his neck and forehead, and that seems to make him feel better. I've also given him some fruit popsicles (the no sugar kind) just to make him feel cooler. Maybe a tepid bath later on?

He's not unresponsive, just very subdued. He's normally a very active and chatty kid. I know that's just because he's not feeling well, but I can't help worrying. I guess that's just in my personality, I'm trying not to let it show through because I don't want to worry him, too.