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Generally speaking, a child with a fever, who has other symptoms of distress like vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive crying, may have an illness that requires medical attention. Take their temperature, and call your pediatrician with the results. Be prepared to give them a list of the symptoms. They may ask that you administer a fever-reducing medication such as acetaminophen, or if they are over six months of age, ibuprofen. It is best not to administer these on your own, if the child becomes ill suddenly, as the doctor may want to assess their condition without some of the symptoms being masked.

In addition to the medication, you can sponge your baby off in the tub, with lukewarm water, running it over their whole body and head. If the doctor has asked that you call them back after a specified time lapse, be sure that you take note of any changes in their condition.

A rule of thumb for calling the doctor, is for infants under three months, the temperature should be above 100F, and if they are over three months, a temperature of over 101F. Often times, the more obvious illnesses like flu, with a temperature and vomiting, are easier to diagnose than a temperature with no other symptoms.