A fever is almost always a normal response of a child's body to a mild viral infection, not an illness in itself. What matters most is not the exact number on the thermometer, but three things: keeping your child hydrated, watching their overall condition (whether they play, respond, and drink fluids), and knowing how to recognize the warning signs. The doctor decides which fever reducer to use and the dose based on your child's weight and age; never give a child aspirin. With Doctor Matt you can talk by video in Spanish with Colombian doctors, with or without insurance, for a single flat fee of $88 USD. Book your visit here.
What is a fever, and why do children get them?
A fever is how the body defends itself: it raises its temperature to help fight viruses and bacteria. In children, most fevers come from common viral infections (colds, flu, stomach viruses) that clear up on their own in a few days. That is why a child who has a fever but is still playing, responds well, and drinks fluids is usually reacting to something mild.
The goal of home care is not to "bring the number down" at all costs, but to keep your child comfortable, well hydrated, and watched. Lowering the fever does not cure the infection; it only helps your child feel better while their body does the work.
What to do at home when your child has a fever
- Offer fluids often: water, breast milk or formula (as appropriate for their age), or oral rehydration solutions. Hydration is the most important thing.
- Light clothing: do not over-bundle your child or pile on blankets. Keep the room at a comfortable temperature.
- Let them rest: do not force them to eat; appetite usually drops with a fever, and that is normal for a few days.
- Watch their overall condition: notice whether they play, whether they respond when you talk to them, whether they are wetting diapers or using the bathroom, and how they look once the fever comes down.
- Fever reducer only as directed: the doctor decides the medicine and dose based on your child's weight and age. Do not calculate a dose on your own or repeat a dose too soon.
How to take the temperature
Use a digital thermometer and write down the time and the reading so you can tell the doctor how things have changed. In young children, an underarm or forehead reading works as a reference; the doctor will help you interpret the number together with how your child looks. Remember: your child's overall condition matters more than the exact number. An alert, hydrated child with a moderate fever is usually less concerning than a child who is very run down.
Warning signs — do NOT use telemedicine
With any of these signs, do not use telemedicine: call 911 or go to the emergency room right away:
- A baby younger than 3 months with any fever — always needs an urgent in-person evaluation.
- Trouble breathing or fast breathing, ribs pulling in with each breath.
- Blue or gray lips or skin (a bluish color).
- A seizure (the body stiffens or shakes and does not respond).
- A stiff neck or a very severe headache.
- Small red or purple spots on the skin (petechiae) that do not fade when you press on them.
- Extreme drowsiness or limpness: your child is very floppy, hard to wake, or not reacting as usual.
- Signs of dehydration: no urine or a dry diaper for 6 to 8 hours, crying without tears, dry mouth, sunken eyes.
- A fever that lasts more than about 5 days, or that goes up and down without your child improving.
- Severe pain that will not let up.
When does a video visit help, and when is it better to go in person?
A video visit in Spanish can help you when your child has a fever but is in good overall condition (playing, responding, drinking fluids) and you have questions about how to manage it at home, what to watch for, or how to keep them hydrated. The doctor reviews the case with you, guides you on care and age-appropriate over-the-counter medicines, and explains when to seek in-person care.
In-person or emergency care is better when there are warning signs, when it is a baby younger than 1 to 2 years (and always in babies younger than 3 months with a fever), when the fever has lasted more than about 5 days, or when your child might need a physical exam, tests, or an antibiotic. We want to be honest: telemedicine does not replace an in-person exam and is not always the right option for a child.
Honest facts about our service
Doctor Matt is a team of Colombian doctors who provide care by video in Spanish, with or without insurance, for a single flat fee of $88 USD. It is not a physical clinic and they are not U.S.-licensed doctors. The visit focuses on guidance and on recommending over-the-counter (OTC) medicines; we do not promise prescriptions for controlled medications. If your child needs an antibiotic (for example, for a possible bacterial infection), a physical exam, or in-person care, the doctor will tell you honestly so you know the next step.
Does your child have a fever and you want guidance in your language? Book a video visit today — and if you see any warning sign, call 911.