Which of the following symptoms would require a call to the doctor?

A high fever is a significant symptom that often indicates an underlying health issue that may need medical attention. In children and youth, a fever can be a sign of infection or other medical conditions that require evaluation by a healthcare professional. A high fever, especially if it reaches a certain threshold (often 100.4°F or higher), can lead to serious complications if not addressed promptly. Additionally, if the fever is persistent, associated with other concerning symptoms, or affecting the child’s ability to function, it heightens the need for medical evaluation.

Mild headache, occasional cough, and slight fatigue may not necessarily indicate a serious health issue and can often be managed with at-home care. These symptoms could be caused by a variety of benign conditions that do not typically require immediate medical intervention unless they worsen or persist. Thus, when considering the appropriate response to symptoms in children, a high fever stands out as particularly serious, warranting a call to a doctor for further assessment.