Child Temp ALWAYS in 90S

Updated on July 24, 2019
H.L. asks from Washington, DC
16 answers

For the past month, my elementary aged child’s (8 years old) temp is ALWAYS 99.3 to 99.8 orally, and it is consistent on various thermometers) and feels warm to the touch. I have mentioned it to the doctors and they say it’s fine. But my child is usually a 98.6 or below kinda kid. It doesn’t matter what time of day, it is usually around 99.3 - 99.8, usually on the higher end. Currently, he’s at 99.8. Whether it’s just upon awakening, in the morning, after rest, after activity, around bedtime. Energy, activity, eating all normal. Sleeps well, very hydrated, and always in light clothing. Anyone else experience this? I’m just worried there could be an underlying issue. Thanks for any sharing of similar experiences.

Mamazita, to each her own, but I wouldn’t insult you and claim that you are purposely making up illnesses. Being consistently at 99.9 or around there is something that may not be a symptom of something more serious but I know it’s not the norm.

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J.B.

answers from Boston on

I find it kind of odd that you would know what his temp is without any other symptoms, and would take it on multiple instruments multiple times a day. Is something prompting you to take his temp? I think I've taken my kids' temps maybe a dozen times in their lives, in response to clear signs of illness (and even then, I sort of do the "feel the forehead" method instead of busting out a thermometer).

In any case...if my doc found nothing to worry about and my kid felt fine, I'd take that as a sign that he is fine and move on.

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P.K.

answers from New York on

Put the thermometer away. He sounds fine. Peoples temps vary. If you keep taking his temp he will think he is sick. Then there will be problems.

2 moms found this helpful

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W.W.

answers from Washington DC on

H.

Those temperatures are within "normal" . This might be his "normal". Both my boys normal temp is 96.7 - so when they have a 99 temp? It's not "normal".

I don't know what is causing you to take his temperature frequently. Are you hoping he's sick? Sorry - not sure what is going on.

Our bodies change - and at the age of 8 - this could be his new norm. If he's not behaving any differently, no change in sleeping or eating habits? It could be his new normal. If you are THAT concerned? Call your pediatrician and have him looked at.

STOP taking his temperature so often. Just let him be. If he's NOT feeling well? He can tell you he's not feeling well. Breathe, Mama. BREATHE~!!

8 moms found this helpful

B.C.

answers from Norfolk on

98.6 is normal for most people but some run a little hotter and some run a little colder - and it's just natural for them to be like that.

https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/normal-body-temperature#1

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R..

answers from San Antonio on

Both my kids have different "average" temps. My son's body runs normally below the standard (98.6) and my daughter runs closer to 99 on average. That is just their typical thermostat for their body. So, if my son hits 100 degrees or higher I know he has a pretty good fever running. My daughter hits 100 degrees she just might be hot from playing outside. (I myself am a typical 98.6 girl).

I know this from years of them saying they feel sick and I take a temp only to find they don't have one. Or I think they feel hot to the touch and take their temp.

My pediatrician really says to look at how sick the child looks and is acting rather than a number on the thermometer. I have had a very sick child with no fever and I have had a child not so sick with a high fever over 104. (They felt bad from the fever but no other symptoms).

As long as your son is eating, drinking and playing typically I wouldn't worry about his temp. He may just run a little warmer than average.

4 moms found this helpful

S.T.

answers from Washington DC on

temps ALWAYS in the 90s is pretty much everybody.

while a constant temp that's 99 or higher is indeed higher than most, if this is your child's norm, then his engine just runs a bit hotter than the average. as the cardiologist told me about my kid's weird heart murmur, 'everyone's heart plays a tune, and his is just jazzier than most.'

since he has zero other symptoms, ie he's not lethargic or coughing or complaining of pain or sweating or cold or restless, i can't imagine why you're taking his temp upon awakening, after rest, after activity, at bedtime

you're going to create a malingerer. or at least a constant low level thrumming anxiety to match your own.

your child feels fine. the doctors (plural!!) say he's fine.

why is it so important to you that this be something to be scared of?

khairete
S.

4 moms found this helpful

C.T.

answers from Santa Fe on

Some kids have slightly higher temps. This is normal for them. Truly, it is fine. I'm a little concerned about you...that you are so worried about this even though the doctor said it is fine. If you child is lethargic and feverish then that is different, but if he is happy and going about his day and acting normal you need to stop taking his temperature and stop thinking about this.

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M.G.

answers from Portland on

He might be fighting off a mild bug. I don't tend to take my kids' temperatures (except when they were very small and went to daycare) and I think we may have when they've been exceptionally ill. I wouldn't keep taking it though - I think you'll drive yourself nuts (just my opinion). If the doctor is saying he's fine, and he's not lethargic and playing fine, eating well and not dehydrated - I'd just let him be.

Unless he shows other signs - it's probably just something going around, and he's just fighting it off - like his body is supposed to. I doubt most people would notice it.

Just my thought. My kids have been a bit warm before, and it passed - and later I found out that something was going around the school.

ETA:

Just reading through the other moms' responses.

Has your son had issues in the past with his health - I looked back and saw that he may have (asthma?)

I don't know my kiddos' regularly temperatures. You're taking your son's all the time. I do think it's a valid point that it may stress your son out. He needs to have trust in doctors.

You may have some anxiety and it's ok to admit it. I have a friend who does about her daughter's health. She has anxiety in general so it's natural for her to have it about her child (loves more than anything). I have slight anxiety so I get it. It's not easy.

If you don't have confidence in your child's pediatrician, then it's time to find another one. Get recommendations. It your worries are getting the best of you, or you feel you need support - you can always talk to someone. I have at times. It's a great relief.

I'm not discounting your child may be fighting off a bug - kids do, and also his 'normal' may just have changed. Hormones, sleep, food, activity, ... can affect our bodies. But I imagine stress can as well, and so maybe take a break from this for a while and just go a week and see how things go :) Best to you

4 moms found this helpful
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M.S.

answers from Washington DC on

My son always ran at or very close to 98.6. If he had a temp even in your son’s range I would be able to tell by just looking at him that he was sick. And his energy level would be down and his cheeks would be warm and flushed. You know your child best. If you think something is wrong don’t stop until you have an answer. But please stop taking his temp. I don’t know you but maybe if you run a little on the hypochondriacal side, you DON’T want to transfer that to him. It’s a hard way to live. I know a young friend of my son that is a bit like this and it’s hard on him.

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S.S.

answers from Atlanta on

You really need to STOP taking his temperature so often. I kinda see where Mamazita is saying it sounds like you've got Munchhausen by proxy.

Your son is NOT sick. If he was? He wouldn't be sleeping well, eating well and always being himself. STOP the drama. only YOU can stop the drama by stepping back and NOT taking his temperature every day. There was a movie, oh man, what movie was that ?? TERMS OF ENDEARMENT!! The mama is watching the baby sleep and said "it's crib death" and so on and on...

If your son is not feeling well? He will most likely have flushed cheeks, not want to eat, not sleep well, etc. He is approaching puberty. His body could very well be preparing for a growth spurt.

I just know that you are kinda going overboard. You really need to step back.

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J.C.

answers from Philadelphia on

As longs your son feel fine and the doc isn’t concerned I would definitely stop taking his temperature. I’m more concerned he will end up thinking he is a sickly kid.

Btw...I have no idea what my daughter’s temperatures are at various times of the day.

Additionally, their pediatrician only considered it a fever if it was above 100.4.

2 moms found this helpful
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L.C.

answers from Washington DC on

I wonder if your thermometer is off...
LBC

1 mom found this helpful
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D..

answers from Miami on

Do you have air conditioning in your home? It’s so hot now, is why I ask...

If you’re in the DC area, what about getting an appointment with Johns Hopkins Children’s Center in Baltimore? Tell them that you are worried about an underlying cause and ask them to run some tests. I would be a bit worried too if his temp has always been in the 98.6 range...

I wouldn’t worry your son about this too much so that he doesn’t get scared. But it’s better to be safe than sorry, honestly.

1 mom found this helpful

T.S.

answers from San Francisco on

If your child's temp is normal (around 98.6 is normal) then why are you concerned about underlying issues?
I hope you don't have Munchausen Syndrome :-(

1 mom found this helpful
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S.B.

answers from Houston on

Actually it could be normal for your son. As others have stated, I have one kid who runs high and another who runs low. I had a "fever" kid and one who never got a fever. If your doctor is not concerned, please stop. Unless your son is showing other symptoms of illness, he is fine.

V.S.

answers from Reading on

Why are you obsessively testing his temperature? There's a problem - but it's not your child.

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