Fever in a child – it’s worth knowing

Fever in a child is a common problem that parents must face. Although it may be scary, it is worth knowing that fever is one of the child’s body’s natural defense mechanisms. In this article, we will discuss what symptoms of a fever are, how to measure your temperature correctly, what treatments are available, and share some suggestions on the subject. The last section contains recommended articles to deepen your knowledge on the topic.

What are the symptoms of fever?

Fever is an increased body temperature resulting from the body’s response to infections, diseases or other inflammatory conditions. This is often a symptom that the child’s body is fighting an infection. Common symptoms of fever include:

• An increase in body temperature above 38°C
• Weakness
• Headaches
• Chills
• Anxiety or irritability
• Loss of appetite

If your child is showing these symptoms, it is worth taking their temperature to assess the severity of their fever.

How to measure temperature correctly?

Measuring body temperature is important to accurately assess the baby’s condition. There are several methods of measuring temperature:

1. Oral thermometer – inserted under the child’s tongue, lasts a few minutes.
2. Forehead thermometer – scans the baby’s forehead and is quick to use.
3. Ear thermometer – placed in the child’s ear, quick and accurate measurement.
4. Rectal thermometer – used in infants, requires gentleness and patience.

The choice of method depends on the child’s age and parent’s preferences. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and remember to disinfect the thermometer after use.

Treatment of fever

Fever does not always require immediate medical attention. Here are some steps you can take to relieve your child’s fever:

• Give plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
• Rest is important, so let your child rest.
• If the temperature is very high or the child has difficulty breathing, consult a doctor.
• Do not use aspirin in children as it may lead to serious complications.
• You can use antipyretic medicines such as paracetamol or ibuprofen as directed by your doctor or on the medicine package.

Your suggestions

If you have any concerns about your child’s fever, it is always best to consult your pediatrician. Every child is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Remember that you are your child’s best observer, so trust your instincts and don’t hesitate to ask your doctor for advice.

Recommended articles

If you want to learn more about fever in children and what to do in different situations, we recommend reading the following articles:

1. “Fever in infants – how to react?”
2. “What are the effects of prolonged fever in a child?”
3. “Home ways to reduce fever in a child”

It is worth obtaining as much information on this subject as possible to be able to effectively help your child during the difficult time of illness.

A fever in a child can be scary, but properly understanding the symptoms, taking the temperature correctly and consulting a doctor can help your child recover faster. Remember that fever is the body’s natural defense mechanism that helps fight infections. It’s always worth being prepared and knowing how to respond if your child has a fever.