Question
A six-day-old baby has a fever of 38 degrees. How should parents respond? Do they need to go to the hospital immediately?
Answer
A baby’s fever can be caused by either physiological or pathological reasons. First, parents should check for any external factors that could lead to an elevated body temperature, such as a hot environment, the baby being overly wrapped, or consuming too hot liquids. After excluding these factors, observe the baby’s mental state; is the baby as active as usual or does it seem weary and listless? Do not use alcohol to wipe the baby’s body for fever reduction unless under a doctor’s guidance. If the fever persists and the baby shows signs of weakness, it is immediate to take the baby to the hospital for medical consultation and follow the doctor’s professional advice.