Question
A child is experiencing intermittent high fever, reaching a maximum of 38.5 degrees Celsius, with blisters on the tongue. During fever, the child’s mental state is poor, showing drowsiness. When not feverish, the child’s mental state is good, eating normally but with slightly reduced appetite. Urinates 2-3 times a day. After three days of intravenous treatment, the fever has not subsided and continues to be high. How should body temperature be reduced and effective treatment provided?
Answer
For temperatures above 38.5 degrees Celsius, it is immediate to consult a doctor to confirm whether it is a viral or bacterial infection. If it is a viral infection, antiviral drugs (such as ribavirin) should be used; if it is a bacterial infection, antibiotics (such as cephalosporin drugs) should be used. It is not advisable to rush to reduce the fever, as fever is just a symptom, and finding the cause is the key. Generally speaking, if the body temperature is around 38 degrees Celsius, there is no need to rush for cooling measures; this allows for observation of the fever pattern and does not interfere with the body gradually developing an immune response. If the body temperature exceeds 38.5 degrees Celsius, then appropriate cooling measures should be taken.