Is a Fever of 103 bad?

Any infant 2 months or younger with a fever (>100.3) needs to see a doctor immediately.  

For the rest of our children, fever is a normal response to infection.  In children it is usually caused by viruses.  "Colds" typically last about 7-14 days.  Most of these can be watched at home.

When should I see the doctor?

As a parent there are four important questions:

1. Has the fever lasted longer than 4 days?
2. Is my child drinking enough to stay hydrated?
3. Is my child breathing well?
4. Does my child look really bad?

If the fever lasts longer than 4 full days you should probably take your child in for evaluation.  Most fevers will be gone by then.

If you are concerned about your child's breathing, drinking, or appearance you should always have them seen.  Usually I like to give the child Motrin.  If the child perks up and improves dramatically with a little motrin it is probably a viral infection.

Ok, to answer the very first question, "Is a fever of 103 bad?".  If a child has a persistent fever of 102.2 or greater and no symptoms you should see a doctor.  Persistent temperatures over 102.2 may represent a bacterial infection.  Girls can have bladder infections.  Sometimes a little cough can actually be pneumonia.

Summary: I use four full days as my rule of thumb.  Push fluids and Motrin as needed.  But always trust your mother's intuition.  If you feel something is really wrong, keep bugging physicians until you find someone who will listen to you and answer your questions.