Fever means that your child’s body fights with infection. Fever does not mean alone that the child is severely ill. Low to medium fever is the defense mechanism of the body against ordinary children’s diseases.
Fever in Baby
Fever in a little baby (younger than 2 months) should be taken serious. Rectal fever higher than 38 °C is deemed high. Use of ear thermometer is not recommended at this age.
What You Could Do
If your baby (younger than 2 months) has fever, take one layer of clothes off and re-measure his fever within 15 to 20 minutes. If it has not normalized at that point or your baby appears extremely faint, is not breastfed or is extremely grouchy, call your health professional.
What you Should Tell Your Health Professional
Tell your doctor whether he is breastfed well, whether it is easy to wake him up or attract his attention and whether he has symptoms of any other disease. Indicate whether your baby suffered from any disease within the last two weeks or whether he has any chronic medical problem.
Fever in an Older Baby or Child who has Started to Walk
As a general rule, fever higher than 39,5 °C is a more serious symptom of disease than fever lower than 39,5 °C, however patient-like behaviors of the child is more important than high fever.
What You Could Do
If your baby is older than three months, you may give him acetaminophen if you wish in order to mitigate his fever or disorder. Never give aspirin to a baby. Warm baths lower children’s fever as long as they are not cold and they do not begin to tremble. Trembling means the body temperature rises in fact; this is the opposite of what you want.
What You Should Tell Your Health Professional
Stay up on your child’s fever. If you feel anxious or he begins to diseased, report the case to your health professional.
