Your baby has a fever. And you’re worried and wondering what may have caused the fever. Almost all fevers have an infection as a cause. A virus is ten times more spreadable than bacteria.
In case you don’t know, fever is the first sign of an illness. Not a sickness in itself. Fever presents itself when the immune system is fighting an infection. Despite what everyone may think, fever in itself is not dangerous.
What’s dangerous, is the underlying infection. That’s what puts the baby at risk. During the first 24 hours, fever may be the sole indication of the infection.
The beginning of viral symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, and loose stools is delayed. Roseola is the harshest example. Fever may be the sole sign for the first 3 to 5 days. After that, a rash emerges. The most probable cause of silent fever in girls is a bladder infection. Strep throat is also a common reason for the unexplained fever. Fever also occurs after most immunization vaccines shots.
It usually happens the first 12 hours after the shot. It may last for 2 to 3 days. It is a harmless fever. It is a signal that the vaccine is working. Also, urinary tract infections cause a fever in babies. Despite what most people believe, teething does not cause a fever.
If you treat the fever, that does not mean that the infection will go away. Parents and caregivers should monitor carefully the child for any sign of complication.
In the case that your baby is younger than twelve weeks of age, a doctor needs to examine the child. This is needed to check for underlying reasons.
If you have a newborn baby, younger than twelve weeks, a doctor needs to examine the child. This is needed to check for underlying reasons. Some infections are common and more dangerous in newborns. A lot of parents and caregivers worry that fever will cause brain damage to their babies.
But, brain damage can only happen if the body temperature rises above 41,6°C or 107°F. And that is a rare occurrence. When a baby has a fever below these numbers, there’s no need for ice baths. If your baby has a fever, make sure to make your baby comfortable.
Monitor the baby’s activity level and ensure the baby is well hydrated. If the child seems alert and comfortable he or she may not need treatment. Fever increases the chance of dehydration. Parents and caregivers should offer milk or formula on demand. Older babies, need to drink more water.
Sometimes, healthcare professionals recommend using an electrolyte drink. Signs of a dehydrated baby include: not urinating as often, sunken eyes, chapped lips, dry looking skin. Don’t send your baby to daycare if he is feeling sick and has a fever. Call a doctor or seek medical help if your baby has a fever that lasts longer than 24 hours. Call the doctor if your baby seems very sick and his fever rises over 104°F (40°C)
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