*For medical professionals only
Children are feverish, parents do not panic
The temperature plummeted, and some children with poor immunity inevitably "stared" at them by colds and fevers.
The current epidemic situation is severe, if the child has fever symptoms, parents will inevitably worry: don't be infected with the new crown virus!
Everyone is eager to go to the hospital immediately and let the doctor give a clear result.
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But now is also the high incidence of influenza season, the baby fever cold is likely to be caused by influenza.
Blindly going to the hospital may increase the risk of new crown virus infection, which can easily cause cross-infection.
Therefore, before parents are unsure why their children have fever, it is recommended that they first isolate and observe at home, combined with the principles I listed below for everyone, and give their children reasonable intervention care.
What is fever?
Body temperature above a certain level is called fever, which generally refers to body temperature above 38 °C (100.4 °F). Body temperature measured in the mouth, armpits, ears, forehead, or rectum may vary slightly.
Armpit, ear, and forehead temperatures are easier to measure, but less accurate than oral and rectal temperatures. However, the child's general condition is more convincing than the temperature value, and if the parent thinks he has a fever and looks uncomfortable, the health care provider may ask for a retest with an oral or rectal thermometer.
Figure 2 Source View Gallery
What is the best measurement method?
Rectal temperature is the most accurate.
It is also reliable for children ≥4 years of age to measure oral temperature by:
If your child eats or drinks something colder or hotter, wait at least 30 minutes. Clean the thermometer with cool water and soap and rinse well. Place the thermometer sensor head under your child's tongue and towards the back of the mouth. Tell them to fix the thermometers on their lips (not their teeth). Tell your child to keep his mouth shut. Glass thermometers take about 3 minutes, and most digital thermometers take less than 1 minute.
Axillary, ear, and forehead temperatures are less accurate than rectal or oral temperature.
What causes fever?
Fever in children is most often caused by infections, such as:
● Common cold or flu.
Airway infections, such as asthma or bronchiolitis.
●Gastroenteritis.
Some children will have a fever after vaccination.
What conditions do I need to see a doctor right away?
The following conditions should be sought:
The rectal temperature in children aged 3-36 months ≥ 38°C (100.4°F) for more than 3 days. If your child is generally in poor condition, irritable, clingy, or refuses to drink, seek immediate medical attention.
Rectal temperature in children aged 3-36 months ≥ 38.9 °C (102 °F).
Children of any age should seek medical attention if:
Oral, rectal, ear, or forehead temperature ≥ 40°C (104°F).
Axillary temperature ≥ 39.4 °C (103 °F).
Fever causes convulsions.
Recurrent fever (even if it lasts only a few hours at a time).
When a person with a heart disease, cancer, lupus, or sickle cell anemia has a fever.
Fever with new-onset rash.
How can I reduce the symptoms of my child's fever?
Parents can:
● Let your child drink more water. If they are unwilling or unable to drink water for several hours, consult a doctor.
● Let your child rest as much as possible, but don't force him to sleep or rest. After your body temperature has returned to normal and remains maintained for 24 hours, you can return to school or resume your regular activities.
Some parents will use a sponge bath to help cool their children down, but it is generally unnecessary. Some people think that wiping the skin with alcohol or adding it to the bath water can help cool down, but this is dangerous and is not recommended.
How is your child's fever treated?
It depends on the cause. Many children with fever do not need treatment, some need:
Antibiotics to eliminate infection, but this is only effective for bacterial infections, not viral infections. For example, antibiotics are effective for colds.
● Certain medications, such as Tylenol or Merrill Lynch, can help with antipyretics, but sometimes not needed. For example, children with a temperature of 3 months do not need treatment.
Aspirin should never be given to children under 18 years of age, as it can cause dangerous Reye's syndrome and should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Source of this article: Pediatrician Hu Liang
Author: Hu Liang
Editor-in-Charge: Wen