The incidence of infectious diseases increases during the winter months. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, families panic more than usual if their children have a fever. A fever that exceeds 38 degrees and lasts longer than 48 hours in babies should be taken seriously. First of all, it is recommended to measure the temperature correctly, and it is important to know how to reduce the fever by avoiding worry and misapplications. From Memorial Antalya Hospital, Department of Child Health and Diseases, Uz. Dr. Mümine Türksoylu made important suggestions for correct intervention in case of high fever in children.
Be careful how you measure fever
Normal body temperature in children should be 36.5-37 degrees, and situations above this value are called “fever”. If there is a fever above 37.5 degrees in axillary measurements, 38 degrees in anus measurements, and 37.8 degrees in ear measurements; It can be said that the baby has a fever. body temperature of the baby; It may vary according to the environment, clothes or morning and evening hours. It has been determined that the body temperature is high, especially between 17.00-18.00. Therefore; every temperature change may not indicate a disease.
Beware of fire that lasts longer than 48 hours!
High fever can be seen as a side effect in the vaccination period, which continues until 1.5-2 years of age in infants. Post-vaccination fever is normal; However, if this fever, which should not be very high, exceeds 38 degrees and lasts longer than 48 hours, it is necessary to consult a doctor immediately. On the other hand, conditions such as throat, ear, sinusitis, lung infection or teething periods may cause fever; Rheumatic diseases, hematological and oncological diseases can also cause high fever.
The first 3 months are very important!
Especially when it is noticed that the fever rises during the first 3 months after the birth of the baby, the baby should be taken to the doctor immediately, since the immune system is not fully developed during this period. In babies older than 3 months, if the fever persists after 24 hours, a doctor’s examination is essential. If fever is accompanied by symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea, the severity of the situation should be perceived.
Children with febrile seizures should be careful about these
- When children have a fever, their regular temperature should be measured, if necessary, antipyretic drugs should be given and the clothes on them should be thinned.
- The effect of the antipyretic drug does not begin before 1 hour and its full effect occurs after 3-4 hours. So there should be no panic.
- If the fever reaches 38.5-39 after giving an antipyretic, compressing your body with warm water helps to reduce the fever.
- Keeping in mind that the child with a high fever will lose more water and his appetite will decrease, try to give plenty of fluids and not insist on eating.
- If the child is having a febrile seizure, it will end in 3-4 minutes.
- If the seizure lasts longer, call 112 and ask for help.
Source: (BYZHA) – Beyaz News Agency
