Questions
Do I need to adjust the reading by 0.5 degrees or more when using a mercury thermometer to measure armpit temperature? When should I give my child ibuprofen suspension, and are there any side effects? Should I cover my child the same amount as usual when sleeping at night during a fever, and do I need to cover their feet? Can the baby’s fever-reducing medicine prescribed by the hospital be taken with anti-inflammatory medication?
Answers
Children’s fevers are often accompanied by infections, with common causes including viruses, bacteria, and mycoplasma. If a child has recurring fevers, it’s important to consider that the infection may not have been fully treated. Pay attention to the throat condition and have a blood test done to confirm whether it’s a viral or bacterial infection, and then provide symptomatic anti-inflammatory and antiviral medications. For mild cases, oral medications can be used; if the fever persists despite oral medication for more than 3 days, it’s best to consider intravenous fluid therapy. Make sure your child gets plenty of rest, drinks plenty of water, and maintains a light diet.