Q: My 20-month-old has a 39.9°C fever that won't go down despite taking medication. They are lethargic and groaning. What should I do?
- Myeongchan Kim, MD
- 31 minutes ago
- 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 20-month-old baby's fever won't go down. I gave them acetaminophen around 5:00 PM and dexibuprofen around 7:47 PM. Currently, the fever is stuck at 39.9°C (103.8°F) and isn't budging. Should I give another dose of medication? I have been doing lukewarm water massages, but my baby is very lethargic and making groaning noises. Should I wait two hours to give more medicine?
Answer:
I completely understand your concern, as this is a stressful situation for any parent.
🟠 An urgent care or Emergency Room (ER) evaluation is needed tonight.
Go to the ER immediately if any of the following apply:
• Difficulty breathing (e.g., ribs pulling in/retractions, nasal flaring, wheezing)
• Difficult to wake up or unable to make eye contact
• Lips or nails turning blue
• Seizures (uncontrollable trembling in the arms and legs)
If none of the above apply, an urgent care visit tonight is still highly recommended:
• A 20-month-old with a 39.9°C fever that doesn't respond to medication, combined with lethargy and groaning, needs a medical evaluation to rule out dehydration or a bacterial infection.
• The situation is even more urgent if it has been over 8 hours since their last wet diaper, if they cry without tears, or if their lips are severely dry.
While preparing to go to the doctor:
• Stop the lukewarm water massages. Doing this when the fever is high can actually induce shivering, which may raise the core body temperature further.
• Dress your child in a single, light layer of clothing and keep the room at a comfortable temperature.
• Offer very small sips of water, breastmilk, or formula every 5 minutes to keep them hydrated.
• Write down the exact names, times, and dosages of the medications you have given so far to show the medical staff.
Regarding additional medication:
• Acetaminophen can safely be given 4 hours after the previous dose, and dexibuprofen requires a 6-hour interval.
• Because not enough time has passed since your 5:00 PM and 7:47 PM doses, it is not safe to give another dose yet. Do not administer any more medication at this time; please prioritize getting an in-person medical evaluation right away.
For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.
