Signs of fever in infants and children can startle you, despite being in this situation many times. The little one may only feel warm but when you take the temperature, you realize it is a fever and not just feeling warm. The only way to handle the signs of fever in infants and children is to familiarize yourself with the reasons for fever in babies and what are the warning signs. Understanding fever in babies, when to worry and when not to worry, helps a great deal. Read on to learn about what fever is and the signs of fever in infants and children.
The normal body temperature of a human being is around 98.6 °F or 37 °C. It can increase or decrease slightly throughout the day. A fever occurs when the temperature goes above 100.4 °F. Fever in kids is called "low-grade fever" when the temperature is between 100.4°F and 102.2°F. Anything above 102.2 °F is called a "high fever."
A fever is an increase in the body temperature that occurs temporarily and is the response of the immune system of the body. This response is usually because of an infection and the immune system is doing its job of warding off the infection or illness. However, even a lower fever in babies 1-year-old may mean a serious infection. The signs of fever in infants and children lead to a lot of discomfort. Usually, fever in kids or for that matter, even in adults, is not a major cause for concern as it goes away after a few days. There are many over-the-counter medicines that are available to reduce fever but they may not be necessary unless they are causing too much discomfort. If fever in kids does not reduce even after a few days, it needs to be checked by a professional. Viral fever in babies may need mild antibiotics if it does not reduce in a couple of days.
A fever is not considered an illness but a symptom of an infection or illness. It means that the body is warding off the invader and that the body’s immune system is at work. The reason for fever in babies in most cases is because of a viral infection or cold. Some of the other reasons for fever in babies, although less common, are ear infections, urinary tract infections, pneumonia or other serious issues like meningitis or blood bacterial infections. Other signs of fever in infants and children can also be caused by spending a lot of time outdoors in the hot sun or overheating as the babies are dressed too warmly.
The signs of fever in infants and children vary and are different for every child. When the temperature is taken using a thermometer between 100.4°F and 102.2 °F, it means there is a low-grade fever. Along with fever, the other signs of fever in infants and children are:
The thermometer is not the best indicator of how ill the child is, but the signs of fever in infants and children are important. One has to take into account the child's age, how the child is behaving, the number of days of fever and other symptoms one sees. For instance, a small percentage of fever in babies 1-year-old or younger leads to seizures and needs immediate attention.
In babies between 0 and 3 months old, even a small increase in temperature can be a cause for worry. You should head to urgent care if the fever is above 100.4 °F. The symptoms to watch out for are:
In toddlers and older babies, consult your pediatrician when the fever is over 102.2°F. If you are giving OTC medications, check how the baby is responding. Consult your doctor before giving OTC medicines for fever in babies 1-year-old or less. If the fever does not reduce to paracetamol, it could be a viral fever in babies. Symptoms to watch for are:
If the child is 3-year-old or older and the fever is above 102°F and does not subside even after a couple of days. If you are wondering about fever in babies and when to worry, then read on. The symptoms that may need immediate attention are:
When it comes to the question of signs of fever in infants and children and when to worry, then look out for the above-mentioned symptoms. Always see a doctor when there is a fever in babies less than 3 months old. For older kids, it is important to know when to monitor and when to relax. You may need to monitor and not worry if:
Fevers are a common occurrence in children and adults. While the thermometer may show there is a fever, it is important to monitor the signs of fever in infants and children. If they are normal and taking enough fluids and the fever goes away quickly, you can choose at-home medications. However, if it persists, consult a doctor.
Fevers normally clear up within a couple of days. If it lasts for more than four days, consult a doctor
Medication may not be needed to treat this fever. If the child feels discomfort, you can consult a doctor for medication.
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