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Today's post will answer a question from one of our readers. Darbie in New Mexico asked:

What advice can you give for when to take your children to the doctor when they have a fever? My mother-in-law would take her children to the doctor if they were a bit warm, but I don't think that ONLY a fever with no other symptoms is a problem and wouldn't take my child to the doctor.

Unfortunately there is no exact formula for when you should take your sick child in to the pediatrician, but here are a few tips to help guide parents in determining if they should call the doctor:

* The best indicator of your child's health status is his/her behavior. Your child may have symptoms of a cold, but if he/she is running around and playing like normal, a doctor’s visit is probably not necessary. If, however, your child is not acting normally, is very sleepy, refuses to eat or drink, doesn't want to play, and is irritable, these are probably signs that the illness is a little more serious.

* Fever is a common response to infection and should always be monitored. But fever alone is not a reason to take your child into the doctor. Many fevers can be managed at home with antipyretics like Tylenol or Motrin. However, if your child is less than 3 months old and has a temperature greater than 100.4, you should call your pediatrician. An infant's immune system is less developed, and what would be considered a mild illness in a child or adult can be serious in a newborn. Also, if you are unable to manage your child's temperature with medication at home, you should call your doctor.

* If your child has a cough or cold that does not get better within a week, you should take him/her to the doctor.

* A child that will not eating or drinking for more than 12 hours or one that has severe vomiting or diarrhea should see a doctor. Dehydration is a major concern in these cases.

* Ear pain accompanied by a fever is usually indicative of an ear infection. This may be a bacterial infection, and your doctor will generally prescribe an antibiotic.

Remember, you as parents know your children best and are usually the best judge of their health status. If you are at all concerned, you should never hesitate to call your pediatrician's office.