Its that time of year and I just saw another post from a friend about battling a fever. This is one area that really is challenging for us as parents to gain confidence in, but I am determined to help you do so!
Few things scare parents more than a fever in their children. How could such a scary thing be good? because without fevers we would all succumb to infections. Fevers fight infections. Fevers are natures healing response. They should not be suppressed. A fever speeds up metabolism and heart rate, increasing circulation. It increases white blood cell production to fight bacteria and viruses, and it increases the production of interferon, a natural antiviral chemical in the body. Babies get fevers to exercise their immune systems so they can build their own immunity to pathogenic microbes they encounter. Fevers represent a healing process that happens in a healthy body.
A fever is technically anything above 100.5. Fevers are often accompanied by discomfort or localized areas like a runny nose, ear pain, or diarrhea. Sometimes there is no obvious reason for the fever and that can feel more worrisome, but often the localized areas show up in a day or so, the body was just mounting a response. Whenever a baby has a fever it is important to be in communication with your health care provider, but hopefully, this will give you some empowerment to lessen the nervousness we can feel with a fever.
The most common cause of a fever in a baby s roseola. A viral infection can bring a fever up to 105 and lasts for a few days. This also brings a rash, and most babies get this once which builds immunity to it permanently.Some babies seem to develop a fever much more readily than others. With every little virus, they get hot. Some feel like they are little toaster ovens on full broil. Some will seem to get a fever at every little opportunity. Others get fevers that seem to go on repeatedly for days. And then some will only get a fever with symptoms of an illness. Some run a temperature with teething. Teething itself does not cause fevers, but teething phases do sometimes coincide with illnesses.
Danger Signs
Fevers in themselves are not dangerous to babies, but the persistent fever may indicate an infection that warrants a professional evaluation. A fever does not always indicate a serious disease, however.
It is always wise to closely observe especially when accompanied by vomiting. Listlessness and difficulty waking are definitely red flags.
Any baby under three months old should be seen by a doctor as they are not as efficient at fighting off infections. In infants, the cause of the infection can sometimes be harder to see.
With any illness, the most important indicator of the need for medical care is your baby’s level of energy, not the level of fever. A baby who appears weak and lethargic and who has little energy to cry and nurse may have a worrisome condition. A screaming baby may have pain with illness, but the level of energy indicates a robust reaction. Babies who are weak may not be fighting off an illness adequately.
If a fever persists for more than two days, contact your health care provider. If a cold or cough has been occurring for several days and your baby then gets a fever it may be a sign their immune system is not responding adequately. At any point in illness if your baby seems VERY sleepy and unresponsive to stimulation or weak and unable to generate that lusty crying, then see your health care provider. And again, any baby under 3 months should be seen just to check things out.
Febrile Seizures
Seizures can occur with fevers, these convulsions are called febrile seizures. Usually, this will occur in this first day and febrile seizures can actually be fairly common. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (2009), 4% of children will have at least one. They are frightening to parents but harmless to children. They do not cause brain damage or any subsequent learning problems and children who have had them seldom develop epilepsy later in life.
If your baby begins twitching or jerking during a fever, stay calm, turn your baby on their side, and do not restrain them. Time the seizure. If it lasts more than five minutes or if they become unresponsive call 911. They can last a few seconds to up to 5 min. This will seem like an eternity, but it’s normal. Other accompanying symptoms can be vomiting, a rolling back of the eyes, and unconsciousness. There is no reason to call 911 or go to the emergency room if its short with a fever and your baby remains conscious.
After it is over call your doctor the discuss if they think you should bring them in. Giving fever-reducing drugs will NOT prevent a febrile seizure.
