9 Reasons For Low Grade Fever In Kids: Symptoms And Treatment

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Children’s normal body temperature ranges from 97.5°F to 99.5°F (36.4°C to 37.4°C). Low-grade fever in kids occurs when the body temperature is between 99.6°F and 100.3°F (37.5°C to 37.9°C). Alternatively, a fever occurs if the temperature is 100.4°F (38°C) or above (1). It’s important to note that these temperature ranges can vary from child to child.

Children may contract a fever due to several factors, ranging from changes in the weather to an underlying infection. If your young one is experiencing a low-grade fever but seems energetic and continues their normal activities, resting for a while will help them recover. However, if other symptoms accompany the low-grade fever, medical intervention is needed.

Read this post to learn about the causes of low-grade fever in children and the symptoms to look out for.

In This Article

Causes Of Low-Grade Fever In Children

A low-grade fever could mean your child’s body is trying to ward off an infection.
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A low-grade fever could mean that your child’s body is trying to ward off an infection or an underlying disease. The following are some of the common reasons behind a low-grade fever.

1. Respiratory infections: When viruses and bacteria cause respiratory infections such as the common cold and influenza, the body tries to destroy such pathogens by increasing the body temperature. However, this protective mechanism against such infections could cause a low-grade fever (2).

2. Urinary tract infections: UTIs could be another potential cause of low-grade fever in your child. It is a bacterial infection anywhere in the kidneys, urethra, ureters, or bladder and is characterized by a stinging sensation during peeing. A bladder infection could result in low-grade fever. However, if the infection spreads to the kidneys, other symptoms, such as night sweats, fatigue, chills, and fever above 100.3°F (38°C), may also occur (3).

3. Medicines and vaccines: A low-grade fever could be a side effect of a new medication. Such drug fevers could be due to hypersensitivity towards the medicine. Refer to the label of the medications to check if the new medicine could be the cause (4).

Similarly, immunizations are followed by an episode of a low-grade fever. A vaccine usually contains small amounts of inactive microbes that trigger the body’s immune system to strengthen the protective response. Therefore, a low-grade fever 24 hours after immunization is a good sign, as it suggests the vaccine has been effective. Such fevers last a day or two and can be treated with anti-fever medicines (5) (6).

Julia, a mother of four children, discusses how her son Truman often gets a low-grade fever after vaccinations. She recounts, “Truman has always been a kid that feels teething and vaccines. After his 15-month shots, he had a low-grade fever and was super fussy, and then he had a little bug of some sort, too, with another low-grade fever and even more fussiness (i).”

protip_icon Quick fact
The drug-induced fever generally begins seven to ten days after drug administration and lasts until the drug is continued. The fever disappears once the drug is discontinued and reappears when it is restarted (4).

4. Cancer: A persistent low-grade fever for weeks or months could be a symptom of underlying cancers, especially leukemias and lymphomas. A fever is a rare symptom of cancer. If the fever lasts for more than three days, you may alert your medical professional (7).

5. Stress: A low-grade fever caused by psychological stress is called psychogeniciXSomething that has a psychological origin instead of a physical origin fever. According to the American Institute of Stress, family conflicts could increase the risk of illnesses, which could cause a fever (8).

6. Tuberculosis: TB is an airborne contagious disease spread by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. A low-grade fever is a common symptom of tuberculosis in children (9).  According to the CDC, in 2021, children under 15 years of age accounted for 4% of tuberculosis (TB) cases in the United States. Specifically, there were 317 cases of TB disease among children aged 14 years or younger that year. , in 2021, children under 15 years of age accounted for 4% of tuberculosis (TB) cases in the United States. Specifically, there were 317 cases of TB disease among children aged 14 years or younger that year.

7. Autoimmune diseases: Usually, the body treats an external agent as a pathogen. But in an autoimmune disease, the body presumes the healthy cells as pathogens and attacks them. Rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis are common autoimmune diseases in children, and a low-grade fever is a common early symptom (10).

8. Meningitis: Meninges are thin membranes that enclose the brain and spinal cord. Inflammation of the meninges due to bacterial and viral infections leads to meningitis, which can further trigger low-grade fever in children (11).

9. Other infections or chronic diseases: Here are a few other infections that could cause a low-grade fever (12).

Gastrointestinal infections such as food poisoning may cause a fever.
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  • Gastrointestinal infections such as food poisoning or parasitic infections in the GI tract
  • Childhood infections such as mumps (a viral illness that affects the salivary glands), chickenpox (a contagious viral infection that causes blisters on the skin), and measles (a viral respiratory illness caused by rubeola)
  • Tonsillitis (the inflammation of tonsils due to bacteria)
  • Other bacterial throat infections such as scarlet fever (accompanied with a rash) and strep throat
  • Cellulitis (bacterial skin infection)
  • Thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland)

Symptoms Of Low-Grade Fever In Children

As low-grade fever has multiple etiological factors, and the symptoms could be specific to the underlying cause. Nevertheless, here are a few of the common symptoms (1) (13).

When To See A Doctor

Consult a doctor if the temperature is above 40°C.
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A child could have a fever ranging between 102°F to 103°F. Sometimes, they may have a fever as high as 103°F and perform their routine activities with regular energy. However, stay vigilant, and if any of the following symptoms accompany a fever, visit your healthcare provider (13) (14) (15).

  • Sore throat, cough, runny nose, blood in sputum, and fatigue
  • A fever for more than three days
  • Temperature above 104°F
  • Persistent fatigue even after good rest
  • Difficulty in walking and breathing
  • Seems confused or makes no eye contact,
  • PhotophobiaiXHeightened sensitivity and discomfort in eyes due to bright light (fear of light)
  • Seizures
  • No response to fever-reducing pills
  • Pneumonia and bronchitis
  • Viral illnesses such as measles and whooping cough
  • Foul-smelling urine, or pain and burning sensation while peeing
  • Decrease in urine output
  • AnorexiaiXAn eating disorder characterized by unusually low weight, fear of weight gain, or trying hard to lose weight (loss of appetite)
  • Enlarged lymph nodes (swelling seen on the side of the neck)
  • Excessive night sweats
  • Bone and joint pains
  • Headache
  • Abdominal pain, vomiting, and nausea
  • Sudden and unintended loss of weight
  • Unexplained lumps, rashes, and bruises on the body
  • Vision and hearing problems
  • Blood in sputum
  • Fatigue
protip_icon Be watchful
Do not ignore your child’s fever if it is accompanied by symptoms such as blue lips, tongue, or nails, stiff neck, and drooling (22).

Diagnosis Of Low-Grade Fever

Several types of thermometer can diagnose a fever.
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The best way to diagnose a low-grade fever is by measuring the child’s temperature using a thermometer. You could opt for any of these thermometers (17).

  • Digital thermometer, which is placed under the tongue or armpit or inserted into the rectum
  • TympaniciXRelated to the eardrum (ear) thermometer
  • Temporal artery thermometer, which is placed on the forehead area

Your child’s doctor would ask about the symptoms observed and conduct a physical examination. They may also perform a few blood tests and take a urine sample to check for urinary tract infections.

Treatment For Low-Grade Fever In Children

Medications should be given as per your doctor's advice.
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If the low-grade fever is caused by a viral infection, taking proper rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and having a lukewarm bath are often advised. You could also give them an anti-fever pill, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Children under 17 years should not be given Aspirin as it may cause Reye's syndromeiXA rare disorder that affects multiple organs and leads to severe liver and brain damage. (18) (19).

Based on the type and severity of the infection, your pediatrician may suggest some additional interventions such as antibiotics or antiviral drugs.

Antibiotics and increased fluid intake are often suggested for UTI. If the underlying cause is chronic, the treatment would include extensive medical interventions.

protip_icon Quick tip
Do not use rubbing alcohol, ice packs, or cold baths to reduce the fever. While rubbing alcohol may be poisonous when absorbed through the skin, ice packs or cold baths may cause chills that can increase children’s body temperature (22).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are children contagious with a low-grade fever?

Yes, sometimes children may be contagious with a low-grade fever, especially if they have other symptoms such as a body ache or cold. Therefore, they must return to school or daycare only when they are fever-free for 24 hours, without taking any fever-reducing medications (20).

2. Can my child have a low-grade fever and not be sick?

Yes, a child could feel okay with a low-grade fever, which may resolve without treatment. Moreover, a child’s body temperature might vary and be higher during some phases of the day, including afternoon and evening (21).

3. Can teething cause a low-grade fever in infants and toddlers?

Teething does not cause fever in infants and toddlers. It can slightly raise your child’s body temperature. But this temperature will not come under the category of low-grade fever (22).

4. What are the dietary recommendations for children with low-grade fever?

When children have a low-grade fever, it is important to ensure they stay hydrated. Encourage them to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Oral rehydration solutions can be used. Additionally, offering soup, ice pops, and flavored gelatin can help replenish fluids. It is advisable to avoid beverages with caffeine, such as colas and tea, as they can worsen dehydration (23).

Low-grade fever in kids may occur when the body tries to fight infections or underlying health conditions. There can be a slight increase in the body temperature in respiratory and urinary tract infections after taking certain medications and vaccinations. Stress and autoimmune conditions may also cause a low-grade fever. You may measure temperature using a thermometer and seek pediatric care if your young one has an increased temperature or accompanying symptoms. Doctors may prescribe fever medications and medications to treat the underlying causes.

Infographic: When You Should Not Worry About Your Child’s Fever

Fever in children can be worrisome, and a low-grade one may not necessarily mean that the illness is not concerning. However, there are specific apparent indications that can help you relax and not panic about your child’s fever. So use this infographic to spot the signs of an unalarming fever and prevent inessential medications.

spot the signs of an unalarming fever in children (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

Key Pointers

  • A low-grade fever may indicate that your child’s body is fighting an infection or underlying illness.
  • You may notice that your child urinates more frequently, looks dehydrated, has a headache, and complains of body pain and loss of appetite.
  • The simplest method to identify a low-grade fever is to take the child’s temperature with a thermometer.
  • Adequate rest, anti-fever medication, plenty of fluids, and a lukewarm bath may help children with low-grade fever.
Low Grade Fever In Kids_illustration

Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team

Personal Experience: Source

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
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  5. How do vaccines work?
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  6. Immunization Reactions.
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  7. Childhood cancer
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  8. Family Stress and Fevers in Children.
    https://www.stress.org/family-stress-and-fevers-in-children
  9. T Anane and J P Grangaud; 1992; Diagnosis of tuberculosis in children.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12345139/
  10. Autoimmune Diseases | Symptoms & Causes.
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  11. Meningitis.
    https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/meningitis.html
  12. Sahib El. Radhi A.; Fever in Common Infectious Diseases.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7122655/
  13. Symptoms & Causes of Bladder Infection in Children.
    https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/urinary-tract-infections-in-children/symptoms-causes
  14. Kids’ Fever: When to Worry
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  15. Signs And Symptoms Of Cancer.
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  17. Fever
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  18. Aspirin.
    https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/drugs/aspirin/
  19. How long am I contagious?
    https://vitalrecord.tamhsc.edu/how-long-am-i-contagious/
  20. Top 5 fever myths and facts
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  21. Fevers
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  22. Teething
    https://www.seattlechildrens.org/conditions/a-z/teething/#:~:text=Teething%20does%20not%20cause%20fever
  23. Fever (High Temperature) In Kids
    https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/fever.html
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