Fever in Kids: Virus or Something More Serious?

Is your child’s fever caused by a virus or bacteria? 🤒 Do they need antibiotics or just rest? In this video, I’ll break down the key differences between viral and bacterial fevers, how to tell them apart, and when to call your doctor or go to the ER. 🚑

🩺 What You'll Learn in This Video:

✅ Viral Fevers vs. Bacterial Fevers—How to Tell the Difference
✔ Viral fevers are caused by colds, flu, RSV, and stomach bugs and usually don’t require antibiotics and generally resolve on their own.
✔ Bacterial fevers come from infections like strep throat, pneumonia, or UTIs and need medical evaluation.

✅ When to Call Your Doctor vs. When to Go to the ER
📞 Call your doctor if the fever lasts more than 5 days, is high without other symptoms, or comes with sore throat, ear pain, or mild dehydration.
🚨 Go to the ER if your child has a fever over 104°F, is under 2 months with a fever, has severe dehydration, trouble breathing, or is unresponsive.

💡Most fevers in kids are viral and resolve on their own, but if something doesn’t seem right, trust your instincts and seek care!

👩‍⚕️ My name is Imelda Smith, I am an Emergency Medicine Physician Associate with over a decade of ER experience and a mom of three. I see thousands of parents in the ER with this exact question—so let’s clear it up!

0:00 Introduction
0:24 Viral vs. Bacterial Fevers – What’s the Difference?
0:29 Viral fevers
1:04 Bacterial Fevers
1:49 When to Call Your Doctor vs. When to Go to the ER
3:19 Summary


📌 Want my FREE Fever Guide? Comment ‘Fever Guide’ below!
📌 Check out my video on how long a fever lasts –    • How Long Does a Fever Last in Kids?  
🌐 Check out my website 👉 https://www.imeldasmithrx.com/
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Disclaimer:
All information shared on this video is for educational purposes only and should not replace consultation with your primary care provider or a licensed medical professional. Trust your instincts and seek professional medical care when in doubt. Please note that I am not evaluating your child in a clinical setting, and many factors can influence any medical situation. While I am a licensed medical professional, I am not providing medical treatment through this platform.