It was a sunny Saturday morning at the local playground. I was there with my niece, Mia, watching her laugh and play with other kids. The park was buzzing with the sound of children running, climbing, and chasing each other, while parents sat on the benches or stood around chatting.
Just then, Sarah, a friend from the neighborhood, waved at me from a distance. She walked over with a tired smile, her little boy, Ethan, in tow. Ethan, who usually ran around full of energy, was instead cuddled up against his mother, his eyes looking a bit droopy.
Hey, Dr. Priya,” Sarah began, her voice betraying a bit of worry. “Ethan’s been running a fever since last night. I thought a little fresh air might help him feel better, but he’s still pretty tired. I was wondering if I should be doing something else for him.”
I nodded and smiled gently at Ethan. He looked at me with a flushed face, resting his head on Sarah’s shoulder. “Fever can be a bit scary, but it’s usually just the body fighting off an infection. Let’s talk about what’s going on, and what you can do to help him feel better.”
What Is a Fever and What Causes It?
“Fever is basically the body’s natural defense mechanism,” I began. “It’s when the body temperature rises above normal—usually anything over 37°C. It’s usually a sign that the immune system is at work, fighting off an infection.”
I noticed Sarah nodding, a look of slight relief crossing her face. The most common causes are usually viral infections—colds, flu, or even a stomach bug. Sometimes, bacterial infections can also cause fever, like a throat or ear infection,” I continued.
“It’s not always necessary to bring down the fever immediately, as long as Ethan seems relatively comfortable. A fever means his body is fighting, which is a good thing.”
Sarah looked at Ethan, who was softly murmuring. “So, it’s okay for him to have a fever?” she asked.
“Yes, it’s okay,” I reassured her. “In fact, about 9 in 10 children will have a fever caused by a viral illness at some point. It usually isn’t dangerous unless it gets very high.”
What Are the Symptoms of a Fever?
“I think Ethan has some of the classic symptoms,” I said, glancing at his flushed face. “When kids have a fever, they often have a hot forehead, sweaty or clammy skin, and they can feel lethargic and unwell. Sometimes they might even have shivering or chills, which is just the body trying to regulate its temperature.”
Sarah nodded again. “He was shivering last night, and he’s been so tired today. It’s not like him to just want to be held.”
When Is Fever Harmful?
Sarah looked concerned. “But when should I start worrying, Priya? I’ve heard scary stories about high fevers.”
“That’s a very good question,” I replied. “Fevers are typically harmless, even when they go above 38.5°C. But there are certain signs that mean you need to take action.” I leaned in slightly, knowing this part was important.
“You should seek medical help if Ethan’s fever goes above 40°C, or if you notice symptoms like a stiff neck, persistent vomiting, difficulty waking up, or if he’s just looking much sicker than he usually does.” I listed some of the signs, watching Sarah’s eyes widen slightly.
Another thing to watch out for is febrile convulsions,” I added. “These are seizures that sometimes happen with high fevers in young children. It can be really frightening, but most of the time, they don’t cause long-term problems.”
Sarah sighed. “I hope that doesn’t happen to Ethan. But it’s good to know what to look out for.”
How to Take a Child’s Temperature
“Do you have a thermometer at home?” I asked, as she nodded.
“Yes, but I’m never sure if I’m using it correctly,” Sarah admitted.
“That’s a common concern,” I said with a reassuring smile. “If you’re using a digital thermometer, you can put it under Ethan’s arm. Just make sure it stays there for at least 2 minutes. You can also use ear thermometers, but they might not always be accurate if Ethan has a lot of earwax or an ear infection.
“I always wondered about that,” Sarah said thoughtfully.
“Remember to always sterilize the thermometer before and after use,” I added. “This helps avoid spreading any germs.”
What Can Be Done at Home?
“So, what should I do to make him feel better?” Sarah asked, looking hopeful.
1. Dress Lightly: “Dress Ethan in light clothing. You don’t want to overheat him with too many layers, as it can make the fever worse.”
2. Keep Him Cool: “Keep him cool, but avoid draughts. If the room is warm, you can use a fan, but make sure it’s not blowing directly on him.”
3. Plenty of Fluids: “Give Ethan small drinks of fluid, especially water, often. Dehydration is one of the risks of a fever, especially when they’re not eating or drinking as much.”
4. Paracetamol for Comfort: “You can give him paracetamol syrup every 4 hours, but not for more than 24 hours without consulting a doctor. It’s to keep him comfortable if he’s in pain or very irritable.”
Sarah smiled, seemingly reassured. “I’ve been worried about the fluids part. He’s been refusing his usual juice.”
“That’s normal, Sarah,” I said kindly. “Even small sips help. Try things like diluted fruit juice, or even ice pops. Sometimes, when they’re unwell, they just want something different.”
Things to Avoid
I also mentioned, “Do not put Ethan in a cold bath or wrap him in a cold blanket. It may seem like a good idea to cool him down quickly, but it can actually be quite uncomfortable and doesn’t help much.”
“And definitely avoid giving him aspirin—it’s not recommended for kids under 16,” I emphasized.
Sarah looked relieved. “I always hear so many mixed things about what to do. Thank you for clearing that up.”
The Key Is Patience and Comfort
“Honestly, the key is patience, Sarah. Fevers can be worrying, but they’re often not dangerous. Your role is to keep him comfortable, hydrated, and watch for any warning signs. Lots of cuddles and reassurance go a long way too,” I said with a smile.
Sarah held Ethan a little tighter. “That I can definitely do. Thank you so much, Priya.”
I smiled. “You’re doing great, Sarah. Just trust your instincts, and if you’re ever unsure, call your doctor.”
Key Points on Fever in Children
- Fevers fight infections.
- Keep the child dressed in light clothing.
- Paracetamol can be given every 4 hours.
- Keep them cool and hydrated.
FAQs on Managing Fevers in Children
Q1: How high is too high for a fever in children?
- Generally, if a fever goes above 40°C, it’s time to seek medical attention. Anything above 41.5°C is rare but needs immediate care.
Q2: Should I give my child a cold bath to bring down a fever?
- No, cold baths or cold wraps are not recommended, as they can cause discomfort without effectively lowering the fever.
Q3: Can I give my child aspirin for a fever?
- Aspirin should not be given to children under 16 due to the risk of a rare condition called Reye’s syndrome.
Q4: How often can I give paracetamol to my child with a fever?
- Paracetamol can be given every 4 hours but not for more than 24 hours without consulting a healthcare provider.
Sarah and Ethan eventually left the park, and I could tell she felt more confident in handling Ethan’s fever. Parenting can be challenging, especially with the uncertainty that comes with health issues like fever. But with the right information and a little support, it becomes a lot less daunting