Question
My child just woke up with a bit of heat in his head, so I used a thermometer to measure it, and the result was 37.8 degrees. Does this count as a fever?
Answer
According to your description, your child felt a bit warm upon waking up, and you have already used a thermometer to measure his temperature, which showed 37.8 degrees. Although this temperature is slightly above the normal range, it may not necessarily indicate a fever. The definition of fever is typically a body temperature exceeding 38 degrees. However, each person’s normal body temperature can vary slightly, and body temperature can fluctuate throughout the day. If your child has other symptoms along with the slightly elevated temperature, such as coughing, runny nose, or loss of appetite, it may indicate that he is experiencing a cold or another illness. In this case, using a fever-reducing patch is a good idea as they contain high-molecular-weight gel that can help lower body temperature through the dispersion of moisture and cool ingredients. Continue to monitor your child’s temperature and be aware of any developing symptoms. If the temperature continues to rise or there are other concerning symptoms, it is recommended to take your child to a clinic or hospital for examination promptly.