High Fever: Aggression Or Defense Of The Organism?

When we become mothers, our concept of well-being changes: if they are well, so are we. For this reason, in the moments when they get sick, we do everything we can to help them recover. However, even if we are concerned, we have to differentiate whether high fever is an attack or a defense of the body.

And it is that the temperature and especially if it is a high fever, is an important signal that our body sends us in irregular situations. Without this manifestation it would be more difficult to know what is happening. In both children and adults, we must be vigilant, as it can bring a series of very serious reactions.

In this sense, mom and dad must be aware that the child’s body temperature does not exceed 37ºC. Although this can vary due to several factors, it is important that you take into account the place on your body that you choose to make the measurement because it influences considerably.

But how does this information vary? To detect fever in your little one you can measure it orally, rectally or axillary. Each one throws a different piece of information, but one that is close to reality. Now a baby is considered to have a fever when it is higher than these levels:

• Straight: 38 ° C.
• Oral: 37.5 ° C.
• Axillary: 37 ° C.

Your trusted pediatrician will help you know if the fever is alerting you to the start of a viral process in your baby or it is a sign of something more serious such as an infection.

Some red flags

Knowing your child allows you to identify different situations, such as a change in his temperature. For this reason, when suspecting you should touch his forehead or head to see if you feel something different.

To confirm or rule out your doubt, you must take its temperature with a thermometer, to be more accurate. Later, call your pediatrician to comment on the results and guide you in this case. Under no circumstances, give him a medicine without the authorization of your doctor, as he will help you if it is a viral process or a sign of something more serious such as an infection.

Is my child’s fever serious?

Generally, the body temperature is raised by an infection and knowing the degrees will tell you if it is serious. Of course, mom and dad should know that the age of the child is a key element. This issue is much more of a concern when you are less than three months old and have a high fever.

Also, the behavior they present will let you know if they feel very bad. That is, if you see that he is still playing, eating and carrying out a normal routine, then do not worry so much and only take care of protecting him from the cold.

At what time to call the pediatrician?

Only you know him perfectly. So if you are worried and you see that something is wrong, then it is time to call the expert.

As we said before, if he is under three months and has a temperature, do not think about it and go to the hospital. If he is older, observe his behavior, if it persists for more than 24 hours, contact your trusted doctor.

The American Academy of Pediatrics advises us that if the little one is between three and six months old and the temperature reaches 38.3ºC (101ºF), talk to the pediatrician; and if it is more than six months old and has a temperature of 39.4ºC, seek professional help.

Tell him if they also have a cough, loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting , signs of an ear infection, drowsiness, rashes , redness, shortness of breath, and irritability.

Your little one’s behavior is an important sign that will let you know if they are feeling very bad. If you see that he continues to play, eat and have a normal routine, do not worry. Surely it is nothing serious.

Natural methods to lower a high fever

Surely, the specialist will recommend a treatment with medicines, which you must follow to the letter. At home , you can sponge cool water all over their bodies to help them feel soothing.

Some tend to wipe an alcohol-soaked cloth all over their little body, but never try. Alcohol penetrates the skin and enters the bloodstream, which will cause a drop in temperature.

Keep it protected from drafts and cold so that it does not complicate more and recovers. Remember that the best medicine is love and understanding right now. As mothers and fathers we are going to be very scared in these circumstances, but we must try to remain calm and seek professional advice.