Question
The newborn has a persistent high fever and has been diagnosed with pneumonia through a chest X-ray. After two days of hospital treatment, the body temperature has not dropped and remains above 38 degrees. How should one properly manage the fever caused by newborn pneumonia?
Answer
The traditional method of using alcohol rubs to reduce fever is no longer recommended for infants. Alcohol friction can cause severe irritation to the baby’s skin and may even lead to alcohol poisoning. Similarly, ice packs or forehead ice compresses are not suitable for infants under six months old, as this may cause a rapid drop in body temperature, making it difficult for the baby to adapt. When a baby has a fever, the entire body’s temperature rises, and regional cold compresses can only lower the temperature in specific areas. The best practice is to gently wipe the entire body of the baby with lukewarm water to help cool down.