Handling Fever in Children, When to Worry and Call a Doctor?

Fever in children is a condition that often worries parents, but fever is actually the body's natural response to infection. In general, fever indicates that the child's immune system is fighting a bacterial or viral infection. However, it is important for parents to know when fever can be treated at home, and when to call a doctor immediately.

1. What is Fever?
Fever is an increase in body temperature above the normal limit, which usually ranges from 36.5–37.5°C. In children, a body temperature above 38°C is considered a fever. The causes of fever can vary, from mild infections such as the flu to more serious infections such as pneumonia.
2. Handling Fever at Home
Most fevers in children can be treated at home with simple care. Some steps that can be taken include:

• Make Sure Your Child Gets Enough Rest: Rest is the best way to help the body fight infection. Reduce excessive activity and make your child feel comfortable at home.
• Provide Enough Fluids: When children have a fever, they can lose fluids more quickly through sweat. Make sure your child gets enough water, milk, or juice to prevent dehydration.
• Warm Compress: Warm compresses can help lower body temperature. Avoid compresses with cold water or ice, because they can make your child shiver and actually increase the temperature.
• Fever-Reducing Medication: Hermina Friends can give fever-reducing medication such as paracetamol or ibuprofen according to the dosage recommended by the doctor or the instructions on the packaging. However, avoid giving aspirin to children, because it can cause dangerous Reye's syndrome.

3. When to Worry?
Although fever is usually not dangerous, there are some signs to watch out for and require immediate medical attention. Hermina Friends should contact a doctor if:

• Fever in Babies Under 3 Months: If a baby under 3 months old has a fever above 38°C, contact a doctor immediately. At this age, the baby's immune system is not fully developed, so infections can be more serious.
• Fever for More than 3 Days: If the fever lasts for more than 3 days without any signs of improvement, it is important to take your child to the doctor. This could be a sign of an infection that requires further treatment.
• High Fever Above 40°C: Very high body temperatures can potentially lead to complications, especially if accompanied by febrile seizures.
• Signs of Dehydration: If your child seems very thirsty, has a dry mouth, has not urinated for more than 8 hours, or seems lethargic, this could be a sign of dehydration and requires immediate medical attention.
• Febrile Seizures: Some children can have seizures due to high fever. Although febrile seizures are usually not dangerous, call your doctor immediately or take your child to the hospital if this happens.
• Other Symptoms Accompanying Fever: If the fever is accompanied by serious symptoms such as persistent vomiting, diarrhea, stiff neck, difficulty breathing, an unusual skin rash, or your child seems very weak, this could be a sign of a serious infection.

4. When Should You Call Your Doctor or See a Doctor?
As a general rule, Hermina Friends should contact a doctor if their child shows the following signs:

• Children under 3 months old with fever.
• Fever above 38°C in infants aged 3-6 months.
• Fever that lasts for more than 3 days in children of any age.
• Children are difficult to wake up or do not respond normally.
• Other symptoms appear that make you worry.

Do not hesitate to consult a doctor if Hermina Friends feel confused or unsure about how to treat fever in children. The doctor can provide the best advice based on the child's condition.
Fever in children is usually not something to worry about, because it is part of the body's natural process in fighting infection. However, there are some conditions that require immediate medical attention, such as fever in infants under 3 months old, fever that lasts for more than 3 days, or fever accompanied by other serious symptoms. If Hermina Friends are in doubt, it is better to immediately contact a doctor at RSU Hermina Pandanaran for further guidance. With proper treatment, fever in children can be managed well, and the child can recover quickly.

Written and reviewed by: dr. Atika Nurmalitasari, Sp.A

References:
Mayo Clinic. (2023). Fever in Children: How to Care for Your Child.
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). (2022). When to Worry About a Fever: Fever and Your Child.