All children have had fevers, and the vast majority return to normal within a few days. A fever in a healthy child does not necessarily mean that there is a serious problem. A fever is the body’s way of “fighting” an infection, it does not harm the child per se, and it does not “burn the brain”.
Why do fevers occur?
When we turn on the air conditioner, we set a temperature, and the room temperature fluctuates up and down from that temperature. The human body is the same, there is a part of the brain called the “hypothalamus”, under normal circumstances set the body temperature to 37 degrees, the body temperature will fluctuate slightly above and below 37 degrees. In times of infection and certain diseases, the hypothalamus will raise the temperature setting and the body temperature will rise above 38 degrees, which is called fever. Fever helps us fight germs and makes the body inhospitable to germs.
Many illnesses can cause fever, such as germs infecting our body, overdressing, vaccinations, teething, etc. Usually teething fevers do not exceed 38 degrees.
When do I need to see a doctor?
To determine your child’s condition, other signs are more important than the level of temperature. If your child is still able to play, eat and drink, he is still willing to smile at you, is responsive, his skin color is normal, and he is still active and happy when his temperature drops, it usually indicates that the illness is not serious. It is common that a child may be reluctant to eat when he has a fever. It is okay if your child is able to drink water, urinates in normal amounts, and eats less than usual. However, a child needs to see a doctor if he or she
1. Seems very sick, lethargic and irritable.
2.Has been in a very hot place, such as an overheated car (heat stroke).
3.Fever along with other special symptoms, such as stiff neck, severe headache, severe sore throat, severe earache, unexplained rash, or repeated vomiting or diarrhea, painful urination, etc.
4. Have immune system problems, such as sickle cell disease or cancer, or are taking steroids.
5. Have had convulsions.
6.Age less than 3 months and have a body temperature over 38℃.
7.Recurrent fever above 40℃ in children of any age.
8.Still very uncomfortable after the fever is reduced.
9.The situation is getting worse.
10.Children within 2 years of age with fever lasting more than 24 hours.
11.Children aged 2 years or older with a fever lasting for more than 72 hours.
If your child’s condition worries you, or if you don’t know what to do, you can see your doctor.
How do I measure my body temperature?
1.Infants younger than 3 months: The most reliable way is to take the anal temperature with an electronic thermometer.
2, 3 months to 4 years old children: you can use electronic thermometer to measure anal temperature or ear temperature. You can also measure the axillary temperature, but the accuracy is less accurate.
3.Children over 4 years old: can measure ear temperature or axillary temperature.
Measurement of anal temperature
1.Lubricate the front of the thermometer with lubricant.
2, the child can lie on your lap or bed; or baby lying down, legs bent toward the chest.
3.Insert the thermometer into the anus about 1.25 to 2.5 cm and stop immediately if you feel any resistance.
4, Hold the thermometer with the second and third fingers and hold the hand on the hip. Measure for 3 minutes or the thermometer sounds a beep and then take a reading.
Measurement of axillary temperature
Axillary temperature measurement is the most convenient, but not as reliable as other methods. Place the thermometer under the armpit without touching the clothing when taking the measurement. Have the child hold the thermometer with his or her hand around the chest. Measure for 5 minutes and then take a reading.
Measurement of ear temperature
Pull the outer ear vertically backward for infants under 1 year of age and upward for children over 1 year of age to adults so that the thermometer tip can detect the eardrum. Insert the thermometer tip into the ear canal, press the thermometer button, sound the beep and take a reading.
Home care for fever
Not all fevers need to be treated, but only when they make the child uncomfortable. There are often other symptoms associated with a fever, and the following methods can help reduce your child’s symptoms.
If your child is irritable or seems uncomfortable, you can use acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever depending on your child’s weight and age. If your child has other medical problems, consult your doctor about your child’s medication.
2. Keep the environment at a comfortable temperature, not too hot or too cold.
3.Do not use alcohol rubs, ice packs or cold baths, which may aggravate the condition.
4.Fever will cause the body to lose more water, replenish sufficient amount of water to prevent dehydration. Increase breastfeeding for breastfed children.
5.If your child has vomiting or diarrhea, ask your doctor if you need to drink oral rehydration solution and restrict your child from eating apples and pears.
6.Don’t force the child to eat, eat as much as the child likes.
7.Rest and avoid exertion.
8, rest at home, do not go to school or kindergarten. Generally speaking, the body temperature is normal 24 hours can resume school.