When your child feels hot, it is natural to worry. A fever means their body temperature is higher than normal, usually 100.4°F (38°C) or more. In most children, fever is a healthy immune response. It helps the body fight viruses and bacteria more effectively. So, many fevers are uncomfortable but not dangerous or life-threatening emergencies.
Still, that does not make those moments easy. When the number on the thermometer keeps climbing, your heart races as well. Nights, weekends, and holidays often feel worse, because regular offices may be closed and you are afraid of “missing something serious.” You may ask yourself: Is this normal, or do we need urgent help right now?
That is exactly where Mt. Spokane Pediatrics comes in for Spokane families. Our North Spokane and Spokane Valley teams care for children from birth through young adulthood, including wellness visits and same-day sick visits for fever and infections. Because we focus only on kids, our providers understand what is normal, what is not, and when a fever needs urgent attention. Whether you have a quick question about fever medicines or need pediatric urgent care in Spokane, Mt. Spokane Pediatrics is here to guide you with calm, clear answers.
What Counts as a “Normal” Fever in Kids?
What Is a Fever? (Numbers Spokane Parents Should Know)
For most Spokane children, a fever means a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, measured with a reliable thermometer. Doctors often call temperatures between about 100°F and 102°F a low-grade fever. In many healthy kids, this range is uncomfortable but not usually dangerous on its own.
A child’s temperature also changes during the day. It can be a bit lower in the morning and higher in the late afternoon or evening. Activity, warm clothes, or a hot room may also make a child feel warmer. That is why Mt. Spokane Pediatrics always looks at the full picture, not just a single number.
Common Causes of Fever in Children
Most fevers in children come from viral infections, such as colds, flu, RSV, and COVID-19. These viruses are common in schools, daycares, and Spokane playgroups, especially during fall and winter. Some fevers are caused by bacterial infections, including ear infections, strep throat, urinary tract infections, or pneumonia.
Sometimes, children develop a mild fever after routine vaccinations. Teething may cause a slight rise in temperature, but it usually does not cause a true high fever. Because these causes can overlap, Mt. Spokane Pediatrics helps families sort out what is likely and what needs closer attention.
When Your Child’s Fever Is Usually “Normal” and You Can Watch at Home
Look at Your Child, Not Just the Number
When your child has a fever, their behavior gives you the best clues. If they are drinking fluids, making tears when crying, and having normal wet diapers or bathroom trips, those are good signs. It is also reassuring if they wake up easily, look at you, play a little, or respond to comfort, even if they are tired or cranky.
Mild fussiness is common with fever and illness. However, many children still smile sometimes, watch a show, or want to cuddle. When Spokane parents call Mt. Spokane Pediatrics, our team always asks, “How does your child look and act?” This helps us quickly decide whether home care is enough or whether we should see your child in the clinic.
Home Care Tips for Mild Fevers
For many mild fevers, simple care at home makes a big difference. Offer plenty of fluids, such as breastmilk, formula, or small sips of water and oral rehydration solutions, depending on your child’s age. Dress your child in light clothing and keep the room comfortably cool, not cold. Avoid ice baths, cold showers, and rubbing alcohol, because they can make your child feel worse.
Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help if your child is uncomfortable, if they are old enough, and if you use the correct dose for their weight. Never give aspirin to children. If you are unsure about medicine or dosing, you can call Mt. Spokane Pediatrics for personalized guidance based on your child’s age, weight, and health history. In many cases, these simple steps are enough until the illness passes.
“Is It Okay to Let a Fever Run Its Course?”
Many Spokane parents ask, “Is it OK to let my child’s fever run?” Often, the answer is yes, as long as your child is drinking, breathing comfortably, and not showing red-flag symptoms. Fever itself helps the immune system fight infection more effectively. You usually treat your child’s discomfort, not just the thermometer reading.
If your child is playing a little, resting, and drinking fluids, you do not always need to bring the temperature all the way back to normal. Medicine is most useful when fever makes your child miserable, in pain, or unable to sleep. Whenever you are unsure, Mt. Spokane Pediatrics can help you decide whether to wait, medicate, or come in for a visit.
When to Worry About Your Child’s Fever (Age-Based Guidance)
Babies Under 3 Months: Always Call Right Away
In babies under 3 months, any rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher is an emergency. Young infants do not fight infections as well, so even a low fever may signal a serious problem. These babies need immediate medical evaluation, often in the emergency department.
You should go to the ER or call 911 if your baby looks very ill, is hard to wake, or has trouble breathing. Spokane parents can call Mt. Spokane Pediatrics for quick guidance, yet you should not delay emergency care in this age group while waiting for a callback. Our team will help coordinate next steps and follow-up once your baby is stable.
Ages 3 Months to 3 Years: When to Call the Pediatrician
For children 3 months to 3 years, you should call Mt. Spokane Pediatrics if a fever reaches about 102.2°F or higher and lasts more than 24–48 hours without a clear cause. You should also call sooner if your child has fewer wet diapers, a dry mouth, or no tears when crying. Unusual fussiness, extreme sleepiness, or very low energy are also warning signs.
Parents often ask, “When should I be concerned about my toddler’s fever?” Be concerned and call us if the fever is high and lasting, if your child is not drinking, or if something just feels “off” to you. In Spokane, Mt. Spokane Pediatrics offers timely appointments to check ears, throat, lungs, and hydration when these red flags appear.
Ages 3 and Up: Duration and Behavior Matter
In older children, how long the fever lasts and how your child acts are key. Call your pediatrician if a fever continues more than 3–4 days, even if it is not extremely high. You should also call sooner if fever comes with a very sore throat, strong ear pain, trouble breathing, a worrying rash, or ongoing vomiting or diarrhea.
At Mt. Spokane Pediatrics, our providers can examine your child in the clinic, perform needed tests, and decide whether home care, medications, or further specialist or hospital care is best. This step-by-step support helps Spokane families feel less alone when fevers drag on or symptoms change.
Red-Flag Fever Symptoms: When to Go to Pediatric Urgent Care or the ER
Signs You Need Immediate Emergency Care
Some fever symptoms mean you should skip the clinic and go straight to the ER or call 911. These are emergency red flags.
Go to the ER or call 911 if your child has:
- Difficulty breathing, very fast breathing, pulling hard with the ribs, or blue lips or face.
- A stiff neck, severe headache, confusion, or trouble waking up.
- A seizure or febrile seizure that lasts several minutes, or repeated seizures.
- A purple or widespread rash that does not fade or blanch when you press on it.
- Severe stomach pain, cannot drink, cannot keep anything down, or shows signs of severe dehydration, such as no urine, very dry mouth, or no tears.
- A fever of 105°F or higher that does not come down at all with medicine or keeps coming back quickly.
In these moments, time matters. Mt. Spokane Pediatrics wants Spokane families to choose emergency care first, then loop us in for follow-up once your child is stable.
When Pediatric Urgent Care in Spokane Is the Right Choice
Many situations are serious enough to need a same-day visit but not severe enough for the ER. This is where pediatric urgent care Spokane services fill an important gap.
Pediatric urgent care is often the right choice when your child has:
- A high fever plus ear pain, sore throat, or a painful cough.
- A mild rash with fever, but no breathing problems or purple spots.
- Fever and you are worried about flu, RSV, strep throat, or COVID-19 and want testing the same day.
- Fever that is not an ER emergency but is keeping your child miserable, especially in the evening or on weekends.
Mt. Spokane Pediatrics partners closely with a trusted Spokane pediatric urgent care sister clinic so families can get prompt help while avoiding long ER waits when it is safe to do so. Together, we help Spokane parents decide whether home care, urgent care, or emergency care is the safest next step.
Spokane-Focused: Where to Turn for Fever Care
Mt. Spokane Pediatrics North and Spokane Valley Locations
Mt. Spokane Pediatrics proudly cares for children from birth through young adulthood at two welcoming locations: mt spokane pediatrics north and mt spokane pediatrics spokane valley. As a dedicated mount spokane pediatrics team, we are rooted in the Spokane community and focused only on kids.
For fever and other sudden illnesses, our services include acute care visits, same-day sick visits when available, and on-site testing such as strep, flu, RSV, COVID-19, and basic lab work where appropriate. Some families may also be able to use telehealth for fever questions, depending on the situation and current policies. By combining in-clinic care with guidance by phone, Mt. Spokane Pediatrics supports families who search for pediatric urgent care spokane but want a practice that already knows their child.
What to Expect at a Fever Visit with Mt. Spokane Pediatrics
When you bring your child to Mt. Spokane Pediatrics for a fever visit, we start by listening. Our team reviews your child’s symptoms, when the fever began, medicines you have given, and any other health concerns. Then a provider performs a careful physical exam, checking the ears, throat, lungs, belly, skin, and hydration status.
If needed, we may perform tests such as rapid strep, flu, RSV, COVID-19, or urine tests to look for infections. Throughout the visit, we focus on family-centered, evidence-based care and explain clearly when it is safe to watch at home and when to worry or return. Parents also receive reassurance about our kid-friendly approach, coordinated follow-up, and support for repeat fevers or chronic conditions like asthma that can flare with infections.
Prevention and Long-Term Health: Reducing Fever-Related Stress
Helping Your Child Avoid Common Illnesses
You cannot prevent every childhood fever, yet simple habits can reduce how often your child gets sick. Regular handwashing with soap and water is one of the most effective tools. Keeping vaccines up to date also lowers the risk of serious infections and complications.
It also helps to keep sick kids home from school or daycare until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without medicine, which matches local illness guidelines. Children should avoid sharing cups, utensils, straws, and water bottles, especially during cold and flu season. Through routine wellness visits and vaccinations, Mt. Spokane Pediatrics plays a key role in preventive care for Spokane families.
Building a Spokane Family Fever Plan
Having a simple “fever plan” can make the next illness much less stressful. You can keep a small fever toolkit at home with a reliable thermometer, pediatric fever medicines, a printed dosing chart, and Mt. Spokane Pediatrics’ phone numbers and after-hours instructions. This way, when a fever appears late at night, you already know your next steps.
If your child has recurring fevers or chronic issues such as asthma or allergies, plan to discuss those patterns during well-child visits. Together, your family and your Mt. Spokane Pediatrics provider can create a tailored plan that fits your child’s health needs and your Spokane lifestyle.
If you are a parent in Spokane or Spokane Valley and you are not sure whether your child’s fever is normal or needs urgent attention, Mt. Spokane Pediatrics is ready to help. Our team can answer questions by phone, schedule a visit, or guide you toward pediatric urgent care spokane or ER care when needed.
Families who are new to Spokane are encouraged to establish care with Mt. Spokane Pediatrics before the first big fever hits. That way, you already have a trusted partner, convenient locations in North Spokane and Spokane Valley, and clear options for online scheduling and same-day sick visits when available. From baby’s first fever through young adulthood, Mt. Spokane Pediatrics is here to support your child’s health and your family’s peace of mind.