Fever Among Kids: Identifying it, Do's and Don'ts

We all know that all kids will have fever sometimes as they grow up. Fever itself is not an illness. It is a response of your body to some underlying causes such as infection (viral/bacterial), dehydration, heat stroke, over clothing, immunization, teething and certain other medical conditions.

When do we call it fever?

Normal body temperature is generally taken as 98.6 degree F or 37 degree C. One may call it fever if temperature is more than:

• 99 degree F (37 degree C) underarm

• 100 degree F(37.8 degree C) in the mouth

• In infants > 100.4 degree F, rectal temperature

DO’S

• Give lots of fluids

• Give paracetamol in case of high fever

• Wear light comfortable clothing

• Maintain comfortable surrounding temperature

DONT’S

• Overclothing or using too many blankets (unless shivering)

• No ice packs

• No Asprin or Ibubrufen without doctor’s advise

When to be concerned and consult your pediatrician

• Baby under 3 months and temp>38 degree (rectal temperature)

• Baby of 3-6 months and temp> 39 degree (rectal temperature)

• Child not active or looking sick

• Stiff Neck

• Rash or Bluish spots

• Unusually cold hands or feet

• Difficulty in breathing

• Seizure