Q: My 10-month-old baby has a 39°C fever and their sibling has stomatitis. Should we go to the ER?

Medically reviewed by Sang Hyun Ahn, MD

Content edited by Myeongchan Kim, MD

This post is a dramatization of a question and answer session experienced by our actual medical reviewers. Please note that this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.

Question:

My 10-month-old baby currently has a high fever of 39°C. Their older sibling was diagnosed with stomatitis earlier this week, and we were told it could be contagious. Today around 5 PM, the baby's fever started at 38°C. I have been alternating between acetaminophen and ibuprofen every 2 hours. It has been 1 hour since the last dose, but the thermometer still reads 39.0°C in one ear and 38.9°C in the other. Should I continue to wait at home, or should I take the baby to the emergency room right away for an antipyretic injection?

Answer:

It is completely understandable to be worried about your 10-month-old's high fever. Given the timeline, there is a strong possibility that the sibling's stomatitis has been transmitted to the baby.

Regarding the current situation, a temperature of 39°C one hour after taking a fever reducer means the medication may not have taken its full effect yet. Fever-reducing medications typically take 1 to 2 hours to gradually work and bring the temperature down.

First, it is crucial to monitor the baby's overall condition. Please observe if they are alert and responsive, able to drink water or milk, and breathing comfortably without their chest pulling in.

⚠️ Go to the Emergency Room immediately if you notice any of the following:

• Difficulty breathing or panting

• Clouded consciousness, severe lethargy, or difficulty waking the baby up

• No urine output for more than 8 hours (signs of severe dehydration)

• Blue or pale lips and face (cyanosis)

If none of those danger signs are present, you can manage the fever at home by following these steps:

• Wait up to 2 hours after the last dose to see the full effect of the medication.

• Dress the baby in light, breathable clothing and maintain a comfortable room temperature of 24-26°C.

• Offer small amounts of water, breast milk, or formula every 10-15 minutes to keep the baby hydrated.

• If the fever remains at 39°C or higher after 2 hours and the baby appears to be in severe distress, you should then proceed to the emergency room.

Caution regarding alternating fever reducers:

You mentioned alternating medications every 2 hours. Please be very careful with the dosing intervals to avoid the risk of an overdose.

• Acetaminophen should be given at 4-6 hour intervals.

• Ibuprofen should be given at 6-8 hour intervals.

Always ensure you are tracking which medication was given at what time.

If this is stomatitis, a high fever can persist for 3 to 5 days. A child's overall condition and behavior are the most important indicators of their well-being. Please monitor your baby closely, keep them hydrated, and do not hesitate to seek an in-person medical evaluation from a pediatrician or the ER if symptoms worsen or if you remain uncertain about their condition.

For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.

fevercoach.us

Apple App Store

Google Play

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