How to Deal with High Fever: A Guide for Worried Parents

How to Deal with High Fever: A Guide for Worried Parents – If your child has a high fever, you may feel scared and helpless. You may wonder what causes a high fever, how to treat it, and when to seek medical attention. In this article, I will answer these questions and provide some tips on how to deal with high fever in children.

What is a high fever?

A fever is a rise in body temperature that is part of the body’s immune response to fight off an infection or other illness. A normal body temperature is around 98.6 F (37 C), but it can vary slightly depending on the time of day, the method of measurement, and the individual. A fever is usually defined as a temperature above 100.4 F (38 C) when measured by a rectal thermometer, or above 99.5 F (37.5 C) when measured by an oral thermometer.

A high fever is a temperature above 103 F (39.4 C) in adults, or above 105 F (40.5 C) in children. A high fever can be caused by many different infections, such as flu, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, appendicitis, and urinary tract infections. A high fever can also be caused by some non-infectious conditions, such as heat stroke, thyroid storm, drug reactions, and inflammatory diseases.

What are the symptoms of a high fever?

A high fever can cause various symptoms, depending on the underlying cause and the age of the child. Some common symptoms of a high fever are:

– Sweating
– Chills and shivering
– Headache
– Muscle aches
– Loss of appetite
– Irritability
– Dehydration
– Weakness

Some children may also experience seizures, confusion, hallucinations, rash, or difficulty breathing when they have a high fever. These are signs of a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

How to treat a high fever?

The main goal of treating a high fever is to make the child more comfortable and prevent dehydration. Here are some steps you can take to treat a high fever at home:

– Give your child plenty of fluids, such as water, juice, or oral rehydration solutions. Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic drinks, as they can worsen dehydration.
– Dress your child in light clothing and keep the room temperature cool. Avoid bundling or covering your child with blankets, as this can trap heat and raise the body temperature.
– Give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to lower the fever and relieve pain. Follow the dosage instructions on the label and do not give aspirin to children under 18 years old, as it can cause a rare but serious condition called Reye’s syndrome.
– Sponge your child with lukewarm water or place a damp cloth on the forehead, armpits, or groin. Do not use cold water, ice, or alcohol, as they can cause shivering and increase the body temperature.
– Monitor your child’s temperature regularly and keep a record of it. Use a reliable thermometer and measure the temperature in the same way each time.

When to seek medical attention?

A high fever can sometimes indicate a serious or life-threatening condition that needs urgent medical care. You should call your child’s doctor or go to the emergency room if your child:

– Is younger than 3 months old and has a rectal temperature of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher
– Is between 3 and 6 months old and has a rectal temperature higher than 102 F (38.9 C) or has a lower temperature but seems unusually irritable, sluggish, or uncomfortable
– Is between 7 and 24 months old and has a rectal temperature higher than 102 F (38.9 C) that lasts longer than one day but shows no other symptoms
– Is older than 2 years old and has a fever that lasts longer than three days or does not respond to fever-reducing medications
– Has a fever of any degree and has other signs of a serious illness, such as seizures, confusion, hallucinations, rash, difficulty breathing, stiff neck, severe headache, persistent vomiting, or diarrhea
– Has a history of a chronic medical condition, such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or immune deficiency, and has a fever
– Has recently traveled to a foreign country or has been exposed to someone with a contagious disease, such as COVID-19, and has a fever

Conclusion

A high fever can be scary for parents, but it is usually not a cause for alarm. A high fever is a sign that the body is fighting an infection or other illness, and it usually goes away within a few days. However, a high fever can also be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. Therefore, it is important to monitor your child’s temperature and symptoms, and to seek medical advice when needed. By following these tips, you can help your child cope with a high fever and recover faster.