Fever is the body's normal and healthy reaction to infection and other illnesses. It is not unusual for your child to have a high temperature when he or she has a minor viral illness. However, it is important to look for other signs of a serious illness when a child's temperature is high. A temperature higher than 105°F (40.6°C) may mean a more serious illness is present.

A fever that rises to a high temperature quickly may lead to a fever seizure (also called a febrile seizure) in some children. Once a fever has reached a high temperature, the risk of a seizure is less. Fever seizures can be frightening to see but usually do not cause other problems, such as brain damage, mental retardation, or learning problems.