A fever is defined as a body temperature that is higher than usual. It’s an indication of your body’s natural defense against illness.

A fever is rather frequent in young toddlers. Within 3 or 4 days, the temperature normally returns to normal.

What exactly is a high temperature?

A typical temperature in newborns and children is about 36.3C – 37.3C , however this might vary somewhat from child to child.

A high temperature is defined as 38 degrees Celsius (38°C) or above. A fever is the body’s natural reaction to battling diseases such as coughs and colds.

A high fever in a child may be caused by a variety of factors, including typical childhood diseases such as chickenpox and tonsillitis, as well as vaccines.

What are the symptoms of a fever?

The following are the primary symptoms of a fever:

  • Temperature elevation (over 38°C
  • Shivering, trembling, and chills.
  • Aches and pains throughout the body.
  • Fatigue (tiredness) (tiredness).
  • Sweating may be intermittent or continuous.
  • Skin that is flushed or heated.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

What exactly causes a fever?

If you or your kid has a higher-than-normal body temperature but no other indications of sickness, don’t assume anything is wrong. The temperature of a person’s body fluctuates throughout the day and is affected by various regular activities and emotions.

Stress, excitement, heavy clothes, food, some drugs, a menstrual cycle, and exercise, for example, may all cause an increase in body temperature. In addition, children have somewhat greater body temperatures than adults.

Checking For High Temperature

Your baby may:

feel hotter than normal when you touch their back or chest seem sweaty or ill
To take your child’s temperature, use a digital thermometer, which is available in pharmacies and supermarkets.

How to Check the Temperature of Your Child

  • Insert the thermometer into the upper armpit.
  • Close the arm gently over the thermometer and push it to the side of the body.
  • Leave the thermometer in place for the duration specified in the instruction booklet. When a digital thermometer is ready, it will beep.
  • Take out the thermometer. The temperature of your kid will be shown on the screen.
  • If your kid has just bathed or been covered in a blanket, their temperature may be elevated for a brief period of time. Wait a few minutes before attempting again.

What should you do if your child gets a fever?


Generally, you can care for your child or newborn at home.

A fever may be caused by a variety of conditions and be a sign of practically any ailment. The following are some of the most common:

The temperature should drop over the next three or four days.

Things You Should Do

  • Make sure they get lots of fluids.
  • Keep an eye out for indicators of dehydration.
  • If they desire food, give it to them.
  • Check on your baby during the night.
  • maintain them at home
  • If they are upset or ill, give them paracetamol or ibuprofen – Check the label or booklet to ensure the drug is appropriate for your child, or see a pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure.
  • If you are concerned about your kid, get medical advice.
  • Try to keep your kid at home and away from other people until they are no longer feverish.

Things You Shouldn’t Do

  • Do not undress or sponge your kid to cool them down; a high fever is a typical and healthy reaction to illness.
  • Do not overburden them with clothing or bedclothes.
  • Children under the age of 16 should not be given aspirin.
  • Unless prescribed by a doctor, do not mix ibuprofen with paracetamol.
  • A youngster under the age of two months should not be given paracetamol.
  • Ibuprofen should not be given to a kid under the age of three months or weighing less than five kilogrammes.
  • Ibuprofen should not be given to children with asthma or chickenpox unless prescribed by a doctor.

Call your doctor right away if your child:

  • is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or higher, or you suspect they have a high fever; or is 3 to 6 months old and has a temperature of 39 degrees Celsius or higher, or you suspect they have a high temperature.
  • exhibits additional symptoms of disease, such as a rash and a high fever
  • has a high temperature that has persisted at least 5 days
  • does not want to eat, or is acting strangely, and you are concerned
  • has a high fever that is not relieved by paracetamol
  • is dehydrated, as shown by dry diapers, sunken eyes, and no tears while sobbing

Urgent action is required: Get to the hospital as soon as possible if your child:

  • has a rigid neck
  • has a rash that does not diminish when pressed on with a glass (use the “glass test” from Meningitis Now)
  • is irritated by light
  • For the first time, he gets a fit (febrile seizure) (they cannot stop shaking)
  • has abnormally chilly hands and feet
  • possesses skin, lips, or tongue that is blue, pale, or blotchy
  • has a faint, high-pitched wail that is different from their typical cry
  • feels sleepy and difficult to awaken
  • is exceedingly angry (cries nonstop) or confused
  • finds it difficult to breathe and pulls their stomach into their ribs
  • is not reacting as expected, or is uninterested in feeding or usual activities

References

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/10880-fever

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/fever-in-children/