A body temperature above the normal range, i.e.,99.6°For higher measured with a thermometer under arm.
Fever is not an illness, it's a sign your body is fighting an illness, infection or any injury. It helps activate defenses to destroy the infection.
Managing Your Child’s Fever
Checking Temperature: There are several ways to check your child’s temperature, but the preferred method for young children is under the arm. It’s simple and comfortable for your child.
Converting Celsius to Fahrenheit: Use the formula:°F=°C × (9/5)+32
Example: Converting 38°C =38× (9/5)+32=100.4°F
Be Cautious with Paracetamol: When your child has a fever, paracetamol is often the first medicine many parents reach for to help reduce their temperature and ease discomfort. However, it’s important to be mindful when giving any medication to your child. Paracetamol comes in various strengths and formulations - such as 125 mg, 250 mg, and 500 mg to suit children of different ages and weights.
Always follow the prescribed dosage and instructions provided by your child’s doctor to ensure safe and effective treatment.
Fever in children isanatural responseof many childhood illnesses. It’s the body’s way of fighting off infections. There are severalcauses of fever in children,including below types of fevers in the monsoon season that should be timely diagnosed and treated:
Dengue
Caused bydengue virus transmitted by the Aedes aegypti (Mosquito-borne viral disease). Symptoms: High fever | Headache |Rash | Muscle or joint pain |Vomiting | Pain behind eyes | Swollen glands
Malaria
Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites and transmitted through the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. Symptoms: High fever |Headache | Nausea & vomiting | Chills | Muscle or joint pain |Fatigue | Abdominal pain | Diarrhoea| Rapid breathing/heart rate
Typhoid
Typhoid in children is caused by a Bacteria (Salmonella typhi), through contaminated food and water or close contact with an infected person. Symptoms: High fever | Headache | Stomach Pain | Constipation or Diarrhoea
Chikungunya
Caused by the chikungunya virus transmitted through mosquito bite. Symptoms: Sudden high fever | Joint Pains and swelling | Muscle Pain | Headache |Tiredness
Leptospirosis
Caused byLeptospirabacteria, spread through contaminated water (flood water, especially during the monsoon), soil, or animal urine (rodents). Symptoms: SuddenHigh fever | Headache | Muscle Pain | Nausea or Vomiting | Red eyes | Abdominal Pain | Constipation or Diarrhoea
Prevention and Care for Fever in Children:
While not all fevers can be prevented, you can reduce the risk of infections that cause fever in children with the following measures:
Drink boiled/filtered water - Stay hydrated
Maintain hygiene: handwashing, clean clothes
Keep your home Mosquito-free
Eliminate stagnant water
Avoid street food
Keep your child’s nails trimmed and discourage nail-biting to reduce the risk of infections.
Seek immediate medical attention: If your child exhibits severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, persistent high fever, signs of severe dehydration, seizures or convulsions or unresponsiveness.
Fever in Children: Important Considerations
Though Fever is a common symptom in children, there are times when a fever in children could signal something more serious, and it’s important to know when to seek medical help.
New-borns (under 3 months)with a temperature over100.4°F (38°C)
New-borns (6 monthsold) with a temperature over102.2°F(39°C)
When in doubt or if you are unsure about your child’s symptoms, it’s always better to check with your Pediatrician. Seeking medical advice helps ensure your child receives the care they need promptly
Caring for Your Child at Home
Prefer light, comfortable clothing
Give plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
Allow rest, but quiet play is fine.
Don’t take self-medication or antibiotics without a doctor’s advice.
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