Question
A seven-month-old baby has been experiencing a fever since yesterday afternoon, reaching a peak of 38.3 degrees Celsius. After receiving a fever reduction injection and intravenous drip at the hospital and taking fever reducing medication, the baby showed improvement, but soon after returning home, the fever returned to 38.5 degrees Celsius. A blood routine test conducted this morning confirmed a bacterial infection. The doctor recommended giving fever reducing medication when the fever is below 38 degrees Celsius at home, and physical cooling methods can be used when it exceeds 38 degrees Celsius. However, after the baby fell asleep at home, the fever reached 39.5 degrees Celsius. How should this high fever be handled? Will it develop into pneumonia? What methods can effectively reduce the fever?
Answer
Firstly, there is no need to worry too much at 38.3 degrees Celsius; physical methods of cooling should be used rather than taking fever reducing medication immediately. It is not advisable to take fever reducing medication immediately after returning home from the hospital. The doctor pointed out that at around 38 degrees Celsius, there is no need for medication; soaking in a bath and drinking plenty of water can help cool down. For a high fever of 39.5 degrees Celsius, it is recommended not to use medication for the time being, but instead use methods such as soaking in a bath, drinking plenty of water, and alcohol rub (mix 75% alcohol with water and wipe the armpits, inner thighs, etc.). Get well soon!