How to control your child’s fever

Many of us are familiar with this scenario; you come home from work and notice that your son is not as playful as he normally is. In fact, he seems uninterested in everything that happens around him. A couple of hours later, he’s burning up and you’re wondering if you should take him to the hospital, because he obviously has a fever.

What is fever?

Fever is an abnormally high body temperature. Normal body temperature is around 37oC, although there may be slight variations from 36.5oC to 37.5oC throughout the day. Temperature is measured by placing a thermometer in the child’s mouth, armpit, or buttocks. Rectal temperature is the most accurate measurement. If you are a parent, it is advisable to have a thermometer at home. You can get one at most pharmacies.

Although fever itself is not an illness, it is often an indicator of an underlying disease.

When you have a fever, your body feels hot. Older children who can talk may complain of being cold. They may also have headaches, lack of appetite, and a general lack of interest in activities that normally interest them. Young children may be irritable and refuse to eat. The rectal temperature will be above 38oC.

Causes of fever

  • Bacterial infections, ear infections, pneumonia (chest infection), and meningitis
  • Malaria
  • Viral infections such as common cold, flu, diarrhea.
  • Tumors and other conditions, although these are less common.
  • Contrary to popular belief, teething does not cause a fever, but it puts the child at risk of infection as they put anything in their mouth on top to relieve itching. A slight fever may indicate a slight swelling or pain in the gums.

When should you worry?

Not all fevers should send you running to the ER in the middle of the night. A low-grade fever is not a cause for undue concern, especially if your baby has no other symptoms. Most fevers caused by a viral infection go away in two to three days. Go to the hospital if your child has a high fever (over 39oC).

Fever above 42oC can damage the baby’s brain and requires very quick action. Very high fever can also cause seizures even if there is no infection.

  • While taking your child to the hospital, you can use the other methods to lower the fever, such as reducing the layers of their clothing and sponging them with warm water.
  • If you are listless and lethargic. The child is not his usual happy self, he is irritable and unwilling to feed.
  • he is unconscious
  • You have trouble breathing or are breathing fast
  • has seizures
  • In less than three months and has a fever
  • You have a fever that persists for more than 2-3 days or that does not improve or worsens despite treatment.
  • You have another underlying condition, such as cancer and sickle cell disease.

One of the most common tests for fever is a complete blood count, which will identify infection. Other tests will be guided by symptoms and may include x-rays and urinalysis. The doctor will then advise you on the best treatment based on their findings.

home remedies for fever

  • Take off most of your clothing to help reduce heat.
  • warm sponge Dip a towel in Luke’s warm water, wring it out, and wipe baby’s body to refresh.
  • Give your child plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

In addition, the doctor may prescribe some medications, usually paracetamol, such as syrups or suppositories to use when the child has a fever. These syrups can also be purchased at a pharmacy or pharmacy. Don’t use aspirin.

To keep fever at bay, prevent infection.

It is difficult to prevent fever in children. In fact, a fever is a sign that your child’s immune system is active and fighting the disease. However, it is possible to reduce infections through the following:

  • Make sure your child gets all of his or her shots as scheduled.
  • Ensure proper hygiene, including handwashing.
  • Vitamin A supplement every 6 months
  • A good diet, proper exercise, and sleep will boost the immune system.

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