Ask Dr. Hirsch: Weekly Q&A with Dr. Shari Hirsch, Pediatrician and Lactation Specialist at Lev Pediatric Care

This Week’s Question:

“My child has a fever. When should I treat it, and when can I let it ride?”

Dr. Hirsch’s Answer:
Few things make a parent’s heart race like seeing a high number on a thermometer, especially in the middle of the night. Fevers are one of the most common reasons parents call or rush in, and understandably so.

The reassuring truth is that most fevers are a sign that your child’s body is doing exactly what it’s supposed to do.

What is a fever?
A fever is not an illness. It’s the body’s response to infection, most often viral. By raising the body temperature, the immune system helps fight germs more effectively. In children, a fever is generally defined as 100.4°F or higher.

Kids with fevers may look flushed, tired, clingy, or uncomfortable, but the number alone doesn’t tell the whole story.

Should I treat the fever?
You don’t need to treat every fever. The more important question is how your child is acting.

Treat the fever if your child is clearly uncomfortable, not drinking well, not sleeping because they feel unwell, or very fussy or achy. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen (for children over 6 months) can help your child feel better, and comfort is the goal.

It’s okay to watch and wait if your child is drinking fluids, alert, interacting, and resting comfortably, even if the temperature is higher. Some children will still play or talk with a fever, and that’s reassuring.

Special notes for infants
Age matters when it comes to fevers. Any fever in a baby under 2 months requires immediate medical evaluation. For babies 2 to 6 months old, fevers should be discussed with your pediatrician, especially if feeding or behavior seems off.

When to call or be seen
Reach out if a fever lasts more than 3 days, if your child has trouble breathing, signs of dehydration, persistent vomiting, a concerning rash, or if a fever improves and then returns. Always check in sooner if something just doesn’t feel right.

Bottom line
Fevers can be stressful, but most are part of the healing process. Focus less on the number and more on your child. Treat discomfort, encourage fluids, and trust your instincts. Your pediatrician is here to help you decide when to treat and when it’s okay to let it ride.

 ​Dr. Shari Hirsch, MD, specializes in infant feeding, including expert newborn support, lactation guidance, and frenotomy (tongue-tie release). She also offers emotional wellness care, with guidance and medication management for attention, mood, and anxiety support.

Lev Pediatric Care is located at Evergreen Uptown Mall in Pomona. Their hours are Sunday through Thursday, 10:00 am to 7:45 pm, and Friday, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Same-day appointments are available. To schedule, call 845-579-5700. They also provide free car service to and from doctor visits.

Have a question for next week’s column? Send it to Lev Pediatric Care, and Dr. Hirsch may feature it in an upcoming Q&A