Fever in Childhood: What You Need to Know
Understanding fever and how to manage it appropriately.
Fevers are common in children, especially in the early years of life. As parents, it’s only natural to be concerned when your child has a fever. So, let’s understand what it is and how to manage it appropriately.
Fever and Common Triggers
What exactly is a fever? It’s a temporary rise in body temperature, usually due to an illness or infection. In children, it is considered a fever when the body temperature reaches 38°C or above.
Common triggers of fever in children include viral or bacterial infections such as colds, flu, ear infections, urinary tract infections, and tonsillitis. Vaccinations and certain medications can also cause a mild fever in some children.
Signs and Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of fever in children may vary depending on the underlying cause. Common signs include a warm forehead, flushed cheeks, sweating, chills, fatigue, loss of appetite, and irritability. Some children may experience additional symptoms like cough, sore throat, runny nose, or rash.
As these symptoms develop, it’s important to monitor their temperature regularly and provide appropriate care. Make sure they stay hydrated by offering plenty of fluids. If their fever persists for more than a few days or if they display more severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, persistent vomiting, or stiff neck, seek medical attention immediately.
Reducing Risk of Fever
While fever in childhood can perhaps be considered inevitable, there are things you can do to help reduce their risk of contracting it. Here are some of the things you can do:
- Help them develop good hygiene habits, like washing hands regularly
- Maintain a clean environment where possible by regularly disinfecting surfaces they touch
- Encourage a balanced and nutritious diet
- Ensure that they get enough sleep and proper rest
Of course, vaccination also plays a crucial role in reducing the risks of fever in children. Follow the recommended immunisation schedule provided by healthcare professionals.
Strengthening their immune system is also a good way to help reduce risk of fever. When choosing a formulated growing up milk for your child, opt for one that is designed to support their immunity, like NANKID OPTIPRO. It’s made with Immunity Guardians, which consist of 2’-FL Oligosaccharide and Probiotic B. lactis, to support your children immunity and in turn, reduces the risk of infections in children.
References:
- Holscher HD, et al. J Parenter Enteral Nutr 2012;36(1 Suppl):106S-17S.
- Chouraqui JP, et al. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2004;38(3):288-92.
- Reverri EJ, et al. Nutrients 2018;10(10):1346.
- Goehring, KC, et al. J Nutr. 2016;146(12):2559-66.
BOILERPLATE:
When it comes to safeguarding children’s immunity, there's only one choice that stands out. NANKID OPTIPRO with Immunity Guardians* comprising of 2’-FL Oligosaccharide and Probiotic B. lactis is the ideal formulated growing-up milk to support your child's immune system. With the highest levels^ of 2’-FL Oligosaccharide and 100 million+ Probiotic B. lactis, NANKID OPTIPRO helps to strengthen their immune defenses, reducing the risk of infections while promoting healthy growth and development. Make the right choice for your child's immunity - choose NANKID OPTIPRO
*Immunity Guardians refers to 2'-FL Oligosaccharide & Probiotic B. lactis to support immune foundation
^Compared to Key Formulated Milk Powder For Children aged 1-3 years per 100g of milk powder (as of March, 2024)
Related articles