FEVER IN CHILDREN AND IMPORTANT THINGS PARENTS NEED TO KNOW

Symptoms when a child has a fever over 38°C

Children may experience the following symptoms:

• Feeling unwell or warm to the touch

• Irritability or excessive crying

• Sleeping more than usual

• Vomiting or poor feeding

• Chills, shivering, or pain

How to Measure Temperature in Children

There are several ways to measure a child’s temperature, and the results may vary depending on the type of thermometer used:

• Infrared forehead thermometer

• Digital or mercury thermometer used in the armpit or under the tongue

• Ear (tympanic) thermometer

• Forehead strip thermometer (not recommended due to inaccuracy)

Dr. NGUYEN HUU LINH, MMed, recommends using a digital thermometer to measure temperature in the armpit or rectum. Ear thermometers have the advantage of providing very fast readings (about 2 seconds), although they are not as accurate as oral or rectal measurements. Rectal temperature measurement is particularly suitable for young infants (under 3 months of age).

When Should You See a Doctor?

• If a child is under 3 months old and has a fever above 38°C, even without other symptoms, the child should be taken to a doctor immediately.

• If a child has a weakened immune system for any reason and develops a fever above 38°C, medical attention is required immediately.

For all other children, seek medical care if the fever is above 38°C and the child has any of the following symptoms:

• Neck stiffness or sensitivity to light

• Vomiting or inability to drink fluids

• Rash

• Sleeping more than usual

• Abnormal breathing

• Pain that does not improve with common pain-relief medications

Children should also be taken to see a doctor if:

• The fever lasts for more than two days without a clear cause

• The child’s condition appears to be worsening

It is important to observe the child’s behavior. If the child is eating, sleeping normally, and is playful, fever-reducing medication may not be necessary. Instead, caregivers should monitor the child to see whether the fever decreases.

Expert Advice

What to Do

• Keep the child’s room at a comfortably cool temperature.

• Dress the child in light, breathable clothing.

• Encourage the child to drink plenty of fluids or oral rehydration solutions.

• Allow the child to rest and avoid excessive activity.

What Not to Do

• Do not use aspirin to treat fever.

• Do not bathe or sponge the child with cold water, as this may cause shivering and raise body temperature.

• Do not use alcohol for sponging, due to the risk of alcohol absorption through the skin or inhalation.

Common Fever- and Pain-Reducing Medications

Paracetamol and ibuprofen can help children feel more comfortable when they have headaches, body aches, or fever.

• Paracetamol: Available in oral forms (syrup, effervescent tablets, sachets) and as rectal suppositories, which are useful when a child is vomiting and unable to take medication by mouth.

• Ibuprofen: Available as syrup for infants and young children, and as tablets for older children.

Children at any age are susceptible to illnesses that can cause mild or high fever. The information above provides basic guidance on proper home care for children with fever. If symptoms worsen or the child’s condition deteriorates, parents should take the child to see a pediatrician promptly for evaluation and appropriate treatment.

With 25 years of experience in pediatric practice, along with advanced training in France and the United States, Dr. NGUYEN HUU LINH, MMed, has gained extensive expertise in the treatment of pediatric conditions. Dr. Linh places special emphasis on comprehensive care during pediatric consultations and treatment, including effective communication and parental education, to achieve the best possible outcomes for children.