Fever in Newborns: When to Go to the ER

The guidelines for fever in newborns under 2 months typically recommend urgent evaluation, often in the emergency room (ER), because fever in this age group can be a sign of serious bacterial infection that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Why parents need to go to ER for fever in newborns under 2 months:

1. Risk of Serious Infection: Newborns under 2 months have an immature immune system, making them much more vulnerable to serious bacterial infections like sepsis, meningitis, and urinary tract infections which can progress rapidly.

2. Immediate Medical Evaluation: Fever (usually defined as rectal temperature ≥100.4°F or 38°C) in a newborn under 2 months mandates immediate clinical assessment, often including blood work, urine analysis, and sometimes lumbar puncture to rule out serious infections.

3. Need for Hospital Admission and Antibiotics: Many febrile infants in this age range require admission for intravenous antibiotics and close monitoring due to the high risk of invasive bacterial infections.

4. Difficulty in Clinical Assessment: Newborns may not show clear signs of illness beyond fever, so they must be evaluated thoroughly by healthcare providers to identify any potentially serious sources of infection.

5. Urgency: Early intervention is critical to prevent complications and ensure the best outcomes.

In summary, any newborn under 2 months old with a fever should be taken to the ER promptly for thorough evaluation and management.