Q: My 15-month-old had a 40.2°C fever that won't drop with medication. Should we go to the ER tonight or wait for the morning clinic?
- Myeongchan Kim
- Jun 11
- 2 min read
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 15-month-old baby has had a fever since dawn. Even after alternating different fever reducers, the temperature didn't drop and spiked to 40.2°C. We went to the clinic and got a fever-reducing injection, which brought it down temporarily. However, the fever is back now, and I just gave another dose of medication. If the fever doesn't go down again tonight, should we go to the emergency room for another injection, or is it better to wait and see a doctor in the morning? We haven't done a flu test yet because it hasn't been 12 hours since the fever started.
Answer:
I understand how incredibly worried you must be seeing your 15-month-old with a fever of 40.2°C, especially when alternating fever reducers isn't keeping the temperature down.
Current Situation Assessment:
While 40.2°C is indeed a high fever, it is not an immediate emergency if your child is alert, responsive, and able to stay hydrated. It is actually a very common pattern for a fever to drop temporarily after an injection and then rise again once the medication wears off. In pediatrics, the child's overall condition and behavior are much more important than the exact number on the thermometer.
Nighttime Fever Management Guide:
Keep an accurate written record of when you give fever reducers, ensuring you maintain safe 4-6 hour intervals.
Dress your child in light, breathable clothing and keep the room temperature comfortable (around 24-26°C or 75-78°F).
Offer small sips of water or an oral rehydration solution every 10-15 minutes to prevent dehydration.
Continuously observe the child's overall state, paying close attention to their responsiveness, breathing patterns, and skin color.
When to Go to the Emergency Room:
You should head to the ER tonight if you notice any of the following danger signs:
Difficulty breathing or chest retractions (the skin pulling in around the ribs/neck with each breath)
Extreme lethargy, altered consciousness, or failure to respond to you
No urine output (dry diapers) for more than 8 hours
Febrile seizures or highly abnormal behavior
Unexplained purple spots or a rash that doesn't fade when pressed
If none of these emergency symptoms are present and your child is still able to drink fluids, it is generally safe to manage the fever at home through the night and visit your pediatrician in the morning. Furthermore, a flu test is much more accurate 12 to 24 hours after the fever begins, so doing the test during your morning clinic visit will provide a much more reliable result.
It is exhausting to stay up all night monitoring a sick baby, but you are taking all the right steps. Please follow up with your doctor in the morning for a thorough in-person evaluation and appropriate testing.
For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.
