SPECIAL OFFER: - Limited Time Only!
(The ad below will not display on your printed page)

2 FULL YEARS of Parents® Magazine plus a FREE GIFT! Order NOW to take advantage of this great offer! Get 2 full years (24 issues) for just $7.99! Plus you get our new Ultimate Birthday Party Planner ABSOLUTELY FREE! HURRY this offer won't last! (U.S. orders only)

Email:

First Name:

Last Name:

Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

100% Money-Back Guarantee: You must be pleased, or you may cancel any time during the life of your subscription and receive a refund on any unserved issues – no questions asked. Parents® Magazine is currently published 12 times annually – subject to change without notice. Double issues may be published, which count as 2 issues. Applicable sales tax will be added. E-mail address required to access your account and member benefits online. We will not share your e-mail address with anyone. Click here to view our privacy policy.

« Back | Print Print

Print All Slides

Must-Know Health Numbers

You can count on it! These 11 numbers will help you keep your family healthy and safe.

99.5 degrees F

That's the oral temperature that docs say qualifies as a fever

When your munchkin is burning up, it's difficult to remember that a fever is actually his body's way of posting a "No Vacancy" sign to viruses. "The body's temperature raises because most germs don't work as well at higher temps," says Gregg Alexander, D.O., a general pediatrician at Madison Pediatrics in London, Ohio. "Plus, the body's immune system functions better at a slightly elevated temperature." Once your child's temp exceeds 99.5°F (orally) or 100.3°F (rectally), it's considered a fever; keep him hydrated and give children's ibuprofen as directed. But an oral temperature of 103°F, a fever that lasts for more than 3 to 4 days, or any fever in an infant under six weeks old requires a call to the pediatrician.

Parents.com