A high fever in children and babies is something that frightens parents. However, a rise in body temperature is a useful immune boost for developing infants and children. So, how should infants and children with fever be treated? What should not be done when fever breaks out? Everything about fever in children.

Fever in Children

The normal body temperature for children and infants is 36.4 degrees Celsius. When this value rises above 38 degrees, it is called fever. It is common in children and infants, especially in cases of infection. Although this temperature rise in children may frighten parents, it is actually beneficial for the child, not harmful. Because a fever is an indication that the body is fighting infection. In this way, the immune system strengthens and works better.

How many degrees should we call fire?

To tell if a child or baby has a fever, you need to look at where the fever is measured. In this sense;

• 38 degrees if measured rectally,
• 37.5 degrees if measured orally,
• 37.2 degrees if measured under the armpit,
• If measured by ear, a temperature of 38 degrees and above is considered fever.

How high is the fever dangerous?

When examining a child with fever, the general condition of the child should be examined rather than the value of the fever. A simple viral infection, which is a common cause of fever in children, can cause a fever of 38-40 degrees, or conversely, in very serious illnesses, there may be no fever at all. Therefore, a high temperature does not indicate the severity of the disease. If the child is awake, active, playing, eating, drinking, sleeping and breathing normally, there is nothing to fear.

However, if he/she does not eat, has respiratory distress, drowsiness, restlessness and severe headache, if his/her general condition worsens even if the fever goes down, or if the fever lasts for more than 24-48 hours, a doctor should be consulted immediately. In addition, babies aged 0-3 months should be taken to the doctor when the temperature is above normal, regardless of the degree.

What are the Causes of Fever?

Infections caused by viruses or bacteria: Flu and colds are the most common causes of fever. The first symptom of a cold in the first 24 hours is fever. Other symptoms follow. Fever is also seen in otitis media, angina, urinary tract infections and diarrhea. Rarely, serious illnesses such as pneumonia, meningitis and tuberculosis are characterized by fever.

Vaccinations The child or baby may develop vaccinia after receiving some vaccines. The physician warns the parents about this.

Dressing too thickly: Newborn babies in particular have trouble balancing their body temperature. Therefore, if they are dressed too warmly in a hot place, their temperature may rise.

In the case of prolonged fever; rheumatic diseases, leukemia, lymphoma and immune system diseases can be investigated.

How Should I Approach a Child with Fever?

• The first thing to consider is that fever in children is a friend, not an enemy. A high fever is a condition that strengthens the child’s immune system. It is therefore unnecessary to rush to bring down the fever in a child with a fever. If there is an infection, lowering the fever will not cure the disease. However, if the child does not feel well because of the fever, the doctor can prescribe ibufen or paracetamol.
• Care should be taken to ensure that the child with fever drinks plenty of fluids.
• If the child does not feel too bad, he/she can be given a warm shower.
• The room should be cool and the clothes should be thin and cotton.
• If a baby has a fever, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
• If the baby is older than 6 months and has a fever of 37.5-38 degrees, he/she may be given antipyretics and monitored at home for 1-2 hours. However, if there are symptoms of the disease, you should consult a doctor without waiting.
• At home, only antipyretic syrup and suppositories should be used.
• Aspirin should never be used.
• Antibiotics should not be used in high fever without a doctor’s recommendation.
• Children with a fever higher than 39 degrees and who are restless should be taken to a doctor for a check-up.

What not to do in case of fever?

• A child who is cold and shivering because of fever should not be covered.
• They should never be bathed in cold water.
• Thick clothes should not be worn.
• Compresses with alcohol and vinegar water should not be applied.
• Antipyretics should not be given at frequent intervals.

In which cases should a doctor be consulted in case of fever?

• Babies between 0-3 months should be taken to a doctor as soon as they develop fever.
• In babies older than 3 months, treatment can be done at home if the fever is 38.5 and the general condition is good. However, if the fever exceeds 3 days, a doctor should be consulted.

Children under 2 years of age;

• Fever above 40 degrees persists for 72 hours
• Restless even when the fever subsides
• If there is constant sleep, delirium and blurred consciousness
• If the fontanelle is popping and swollen
• Has had a previous convulsion
• Purple rashes on the skin after a fever
• Absence of tears, dry mouth, collapse of the eyeball
• If you have difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, chest pain, ear pain, stiff neck, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, burning when urinating, you should consult a doctor immediately.

What is a febrile convulsion?

In the group between 6 months and 5 years of age, a seizure that develops as a result of a sudden rise in fever in children who are sensitive to fever is called febrile convulsion. The prevalence rate in the community is 3%. There is usually a genetic predisposition. This is why people with febrile convulsions have a family history of this condition.

How does a febrile convulsion occur?

A child with a sudden fever and convulsions has the following symptoms:

• He loses consciousness
• Arms, legs and body lock up
• Contractions occur and then appear to fall into a deep sleep
• Their eyes slip
• He may wet his pants
• Color solar

These symptoms last 1-2 minutes and go away on their own.

What to do during a febrile convulsion?

For parents witnessing their child’s situation, the experience is very difficult and frightening. It is not easy to keep a cool head, especially for those who are experiencing this situation for the first time. But trying to stay calm is very important for the child’s health. Here is what needs to be done during the transfer:

• The child’s head should be turned to the side to prevent choking and blockage.
• Do not try to open the mouth.
• If he/she has tight clothes, they should be loosened and he/she should be made to relax.
• Antipyretic medication can be given after the seizure has passed.
• If this happens for the first time, it should be evaluated by a doctor, the cause identified and appropriate treatment planned.
• For recurrent seizures, the physician can give the family a medicine to be given to the child rectally to stop the seizure.