Fever in kids is scary for parents. When the temperature suddenly spikes, it is not only alarming but also makes it hard to think straight. Why does a fever happen? Do they need a doctor? There are so many things that hit my mind at the moment.
However, it is important not to panic in such situations; instead, start by making important decisions. The first step is to take control of the situation by using a digital thermometer. Wondering how it helps? How to manage your child’s fever? But before that, let’s understand what causes a fever.
What Causes a Fever to Happen?
Every person has an internal “thermostat”. This controls their body temperature. 98.6° F plus or -1° is the average human body temperature. To aid in the body’s defence against infection or other sicknesses that the body recognizes, the brain reacts by increasing body temperature. If more than 100.4° F, a fever is defined as a rectal temperature.
Also remember, sometimes, high body temperature can be brought on by other situations. This includes being in an overheated car or spending an extended amount of time outside in the heat. However, the criteria for fever using various types of thermometers are as follows:
- If 99° F or higher, armpit temperature is the right choice.
- If 100.4° F or higher, rectal, forehead or ear temperature is the right choice.
- If 100° F or higher, oral or mouth temperature is the right choice.
How Can You Take An Accurate Temperature of Your Child?
If you decide to take your child’s temperature with a digital thermometer, that would be ideal. You can still learn how to take readings even though different types of thermometers are used depending on the age. To help you, here is how to take the temperature in kids:
- If you’ve a kid less than 1 year then rectal temperature is the most accurate use for a digital thermometer. If your kid feels uneasy, you can use the digital thermometer beneath the kid’s armpit.
- If you’ve a kid over 1 year an in-ear or under-the-armpit digital thermometer is the best choice.
- For older children, you can also use a forehead point-and-shoot thermometer.
Moreover, here are some tips for taking a temperature:
- Mercury thermometers should be avoided. Simply because they break easily. If not, they tend to release toxic substances that you and your child may get harmed by.
- For taking temperatures, avoid using an oral thermometer for rectal temperature reading and vice versa.
- Digital thermometers are an ideal pick. Not only because they can provide oral temperature readings but rectal as well.
When Should a Kid’s Fever Be Treated?
Do not back down if it becomes difficult to control your child’s fever. You should not ignore a fever of 100.4°F or higher in a three-month-old infant. Rather, you should consult with your doctor immediately. You must also check for other symptoms like:
- A lot of discomforts
- A lot of pain
- Not drinking
Besides, be it any age, if the fever lasts more than 3 days then notify your healthcare provider immediately. For emergencies, you can also rely on Ibuprofen or acetaminophen as it helps in reducing fever.
However, make sure your child gets the right dose. If you lack knowledge or experience, you must consult with your healthcare advisor, instead of rushing. In addition, speak to your pharmacist for the right amount of dose, if your child is under 2 years of age.
Why Use a Thermometer?
Wondering how an infrared thermometer is helpful when a kid has a fever? It is not always possible to detect a fever in children only by feeling their forehead. This is where using the temperature becomes crucial. Using a thermometer allows you to determine the situation’s severity, in addition to providing accurate readings.
This also saves time as once you get to know the temperature, you no longer have to rush to the doctor’s office if something is not critical. However, remember to always keep your thermometer and emergency contact details ready and accessible to avoid having to look for when your kid is sick.
When Should Parents Seek a Doctor’s Help
It is not deniable that every parent worries about a fever in their kids. But little do they know, that fever comes with a few benefits. Yes, fever decreases the severity and length of an illness, by boosting the body’s immune system. This as a result helps fight against infections.
Because of these reasons, the timing and dose of when to use over-the-counter fever reducers is also changing. However, this doesn’t mean you should avoid visiting a doctor. To help you understand better, here is When parents must seek a doctor’s help:
- If the temperature is more than 39°C.
- If the baby has a high fever and is less than 6 months old.
- If the fever does not go away even after 48 hours.
- If the kid is suffering severely from sleepiness or irritability.
- If the kid is continuously coughing.
Tips to Make Your Kid More Comfortable in Fever
In addition to taking your kid’s temperature with a digital or infrared thermometer, here are some additional tips to the child more comfortable:
- Make sure your kid drinks plenty of water and stays hydrated during a fever. If you have a baby, offer little portions of their regular formula or breast milk daily. If you have a toddler or children, offer water or other oral rehydration drinks daily.
- During a fever, wear your youngster comfortably in loose-fitting clothing.
- Continue to look out for signs of dehydration like dry mouth, crying without tears and less wet diapers.
- For a bath, use lukewarm water for your kid.
- If the child is shivering out of fever, give them a blanket for comfort.
Fight Fever Without Fear
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Besides, we serve a variety of industries when it comes to medical needs. Our products are available at reasonable prices and ready for export. Having all products available under one umbrella, we act as a one-stop solution, saving both time and effort. Additionally, we also make sure every customer enjoys hassle-free customer support service.