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Fever in Infants

Your baby has a fever and diarrhea, but no vomiting, or symptoms of a cold or an ear infection. The most common cause for this is viral gastroenteritis.

You should call your doctor immediately if

  • The diarrhea is bloody, black, or mucousy.
  • Your baby's temperature is 102 F (39 C) or higher.
  • Your baby isn't drinking.
  • Your baby goes more than six hours without a wet diaper.
  • Your baby gets either very irritable or very listless.
  • Your baby gets a rash on his body (not just the diaper area) or looks pale or yellow.
  • Your baby gets worse in any way, or is not better in two days.

You should also call the doctor if your baby has traveled to areas of the world where parasites or other illnesses are endemic.

You can give your baby acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever (make sure you read the dosage directions carefully); do not give any other medications without the advice of your doctor. Make sure your baby gets plenty of fluids to drink; avoid sugary beverages as they can make diarrhea worse.

Click here for more information on gastroenteritis in children.

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Online Medical Reviewer: LeWine, Howard MD
Date Last Reviewed: 5/19/2006
Date Last Modified: 5/15/2006

Source: from Harvard Health Decision Guides, Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.
 
 
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Symptom Checker content copyright © 2006 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell. Use of content is subject to Terms & Conditions and Medical Disclaimer. More information on Harvard Medical School's publications and services is available at http://www.health.harvard.edu.

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