Q: My 13-month-old has had a high fever for days, hitting 39.8°C with blue lips and chills. What should I do?

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 13-month-old has been having a high fever for the past few days, and it easily goes over 39°C. Yesterday evening, my child barely managed to eat some food. While eating, their hands, feet, and lips turned blue, and their lips were trembling with severe chills. The fever dropped late last night, so I put them to sleep. They didn't have a fever all night, but the temperature just spiked to 39.8°C again. They aren't entirely lethargic but are clinging tightly to us. What should we do?

Answer:

🚨 Go to the hospital right now.

Because your child experienced blue lips, hands, and feet (cyanosis) along with trembling yesterday, and now has a fever of 39.8°C that has been persisting for days, an evaluation at an urgent care or ER is necessary today.

While on the way to the hospital:

• Give small amounts of water or breast milk every 5 minutes.

• Dress your child in light clothing and hold them in an upright position.

• Bring a record of their symptoms and any medications they have taken.

A 13-month-old with a 3-day high fever and an episode of cyanosis is a combination that requires immediate medical checking.

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

https://fevercoach.us