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Fever in Babies and Children

FEVER IN BABIES AND CHILDREN

Fever in Babies and Children

Fever in Babies & Children: If your child has a fever, it’s important to know when to consult a doctor. In most cases, fevers in babies and children are nothing to be concerned about and will go away on their own. However, there are some cases when a fever may be a sign of a more serious illness.
There’s no need to panic if your child’s temperature is a little above 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, or 37 degrees Celsius. Everyone’s temperature will vary a little throughout the day, and it can also differ by age, activity level, and other factors, If your child has a fever and is experiencing other symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or vomiting, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

Causes of Fever in Babies

There are many different causes of fever. The most common cause is an infection due to a virus. Viruses are very tiny germs that can cause colds, flu, diarrhea, and other illnesses. Other causes of fever include:
-Bacterial – causing ear and throat infections, chest infection
– Allergies
– Certain medicines, such as antibiotics or cancer drugs
– Heat exhaustion
– Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus or Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
– Cancers

Fever in Babies & Children: When You Have To Worry

Fever is more common in babies and young children than in adults. This is because their immune systems are not fully developed and they are more likely to get infections. Babies under 3 months old with a fever need to be seen by a doctor right away because they may be at risk for serious illnesses.

Here are some tips on what to do when your child has a fever:

-Take your child’s temperature regularly. A fever is usually considered to be 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
-If your child’s temperature is over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, you should call the doctor immediately.
-There are number of ways to take your child’s temperature. You can use a digital thermometer, an ear thermometer, or even a rectal thermometer. Just make sure you follow the instructions carefully to get an accurate reading.
-Give the child plenty of fluids which will help to prevent dehydration. Water, juices, and soup are all good options. Avoid giving your child caffeinated beverages like soda drinks, and tea as they can exaggerate dehydration.

When to Use Fever Relievers for babies

However, there are some general guidelines that can help you decide when to use antipyretic to manage fever.
If your child has a low-grade fever (under 102 degrees Fahrenheit), they may not need medication. You can try giving them extra fluids and rest to see if the fever comes down on its own.
If the fever is over 102 degrees Fahrenheit, you may want to consider giving your child a fever reducer such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Be sure to check the label carefully for dosing instructions.
Fever is a sign of immune response. It helps the body fight infection by stimulating the production of white blood cells and increasing the body’s temperature, making it less hospitable to bacteria and viruses. Although fever can be alarming, but if the child has a low fever and no other worrisome symptoms, with proper care and rest the fever will go away in the next few days.