Fever in Children

As the monsoon season has approached, the chances of getting illness increased. All kids gets fever from time to time but in rainy season, chances are higher because of more viral spread in humid condition. A fever in children should not be over conscious thing as getting fever means body immunity cells are working to fight the viral infectious agent that get inside the body.

When to call ‘child is having fever’?

A normal temperature in babies and children is about 36.4⁰C/98.6 F, but this can vary slightly from child to child. A high temperature is 38C or more.  It’s a fever when a child’s temperature is at or above one of these levels:

• measured orally (in the mouth): 100°F (37.8°C)
• measured rectally (in the bottom): 100.4°F (38°C)
• measured in an axillary position (under the arm): 99°F (37.2°C)

How to take temperature of kid?

1. Place the thermometer inside the top of the armpit.
2. Gently close the arm over the thermometer and keep it pressed to the side of the body.
3. Leave the thermometer in place for as long as it says in the instruction leaflet. Some digital thermometers beep when they’re ready.
4. Remove the thermometer. The display will show your child’s temperature.

If your child’s just had a bath or been wrapped in a blanket, their temperature may be higher for a short time. Wait a few minutes then try again.  It’s usually a little lower in the morning and a little higher in the evening and can vary as kids run around, play, and exercise.

When to approach a child specialist?

A simple cold and cough sometimes causes fever, but that doesn’t mean to be a serious problem. But if fever is associated with vomiting, diarrhea, chills and rigors or not getting low even with oral paracetamol, ibuprofen, then it is alarming sign to have a nearby Gurgaon child specialist’s call.

• infant younger than 3 months old with a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
• older child with a temperature of higher than 102.2°F (39°C)

How to relieve symptom of fever? If it is mild fever, then you can give oral paracetamol or ibuprofen as per the recommended dosage based on age and weight of your child.

Do’s

• give them plenty of fluids
• give them home cooked food
• keep check on temperature charting
• keep them comfortable, at rest
• give them paracetamol if they’re distressed or unwell
• get medical advice if you’re worried about your child

Don’t

• do not cover them up in too many clothes or bedclothes
• do not give aspirin to children under 16 years of age
• do not combine two three fever medicines at one time
• do not give paracetamol to a child under 2 months
• do not give ibuprofen to a child under 3 months or under 5kg
• do not give ibuprofen to children with asthma