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Fever

While a fever may be a sign of a serious infection in anyone, in a child with cancer, it can be quite serious. Left untreated, your child could become very ill. If your child has a fever, call your health care provider right away. Do not wait until your medical facility opens.

When taking your child’s temperature, do so by mouth or under the arm. Do not take a rectal temperature; this could cause bleeding or infection. Make sure you have a thermometer at home that works and that you know how to use it. Talk with your healthcare team about fever guidelines at your hospital.

© The Children's Oncology Group
The information and content provided on this website is made available for informational purposes only for children and their families affected by cancer. While the Children's Oncology Group strives to provide accurate and up-to-date information, the information may be out of date or incomplete in certain respects. Please do not rely on this information and seek the care of a qualified medical professional if you have questions regarding a specific medical condition, disease, diagnosis or symptom. The information and content presented herein is not intended to replace the independent clinical judgement, medical advice, screening, health counseling, or other intervention performed by your (or your child's) health care provider. Please contact "911" or your emergency services if this is a health emergency. No endorsement of any specific tests, products, or procedures is made herein.