How high can a fever go before it’s considered dangerous. What temperature is too high for a child. When should you seek medical attention for a fever in babies. How do you know if a toddler’s fever is serious. What are the signs of a dangerous fever in children.

Understanding Fever: What It Is and Why It Happens

Fever is a common occurrence in children, but it can be a cause for concern for many parents. To understand when fevers become dangerous, it’s crucial to first grasp what a fever is and its role in the body.

A fever is defined as a body temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. It’s not a disease itself, but rather a symptom indicating that the body is fighting off an infection or illness. The elevated temperature is a sign that the immune system is actively working to eliminate harmful invaders.

What causes fever in children?

Fevers in children are typically caused by:

• Viral infections (common colds, flu)
• Bacterial infections (ear infections, strep throat)
• Immunizations
• Overheating due to excessive clothing or high environmental temperatures

Is fever always a bad sign? Not necessarily. While fevers can be uncomfortable for children, they play a crucial role in fighting infections. The elevated body temperature creates an inhospitable environment for many pathogens, helping the immune system to combat them more effectively.

Fever Thresholds: When to Be Concerned

The level of concern for a fever often depends on the child’s age and the temperature reading. Here’s a breakdown of fever thresholds for different age groups:

Newborns (0-3 months)

For newborns, any fever is considered serious. If your baby’s rectal temperature is 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, seek medical attention immediately. Newborns have immature immune systems and are more susceptible to severe infections.

Infants (3-6 months)

For infants in this age range, a fever of 102°F (38.9°C) or higher warrants a call to the doctor. Even lower fevers should be monitored closely in babies this young.

Older infants and toddlers (6 months to 3 years)

In this age group, a fever of 102.2°F (39°C) or higher is a reason to contact your pediatrician. However, it’s important to consider other symptoms and the child’s behavior as well.

Older children (4 years and up)

For older children, a fever over 102°F (38.9°C) that lasts for more than two days may be concerning. If the fever persists for five days or more, it’s advisable to consult with a doctor.

Recognizing Dangerous Fever Symptoms in Children

While the temperature reading is important, it’s not the only factor to consider when assessing the severity of a fever. Certain symptoms accompanying a fever can indicate a more serious condition:

• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Difficulty waking up or unusual lethargy
• Persistent vomiting
• Severe headache
• Stiff neck
• Unexplained rash
• Seizures

Can fever cause brain damage? It’s a common concern among parents, but it’s important to note that fever itself doesn’t cause brain damage. However, extremely high fevers (above 107°F or 41.7°C) can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.

Febrile Seizures: A Rare but Frightening Fever Complication

Febrile seizures are convulsions that can occur in young children with high fevers. While they can be alarming to witness, they’re generally not harmful and don’t cause long-term effects.

Who is at risk for febrile seizures?

Febrile seizures most commonly affect children between 6 months and 5 years of age. About 2-5% of children in this age group may experience a febrile seizure.

What should you do if your child has a febrile seizure?

1. Stay calm and note the time the seizure starts
2. Place the child on a flat surface, away from hard objects
3. Turn the child onto their side to prevent choking
4. Do not put anything in the child’s mouth
5. Call 911 if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes

Are febrile seizures a sign of epilepsy? Generally, no. Febrile seizures are typically isolated events related to fever and don’t indicate an underlying seizure disorder.

Measuring Fever: Choosing the Right Method for Your Child’s Age

Accurate temperature measurement is crucial for assessing fever severity. The most appropriate method varies depending on the child’s age:

For newborns and infants up to 3 months:

Rectal temperature is the most accurate method. Use a digital thermometer designed for rectal use.

For infants 3 months to 3 years:

Rectal temperature is still preferred, but temporal artery thermometers can be a good alternative. Avoid ear thermometers for children under 6 months.

For children 4 years and older:

Oral temperature using a digital thermometer is suitable. Ensure the child hasn’t had hot or cold food/drink in the past 30 minutes before taking the temperature.

How accurate are forehead thermometers? Temporal artery (forehead) thermometers can be quite accurate when used correctly, but they may not be as precise as rectal thermometers for very young children.

Treating Fever at Home: Safe and Effective Methods

While not all fevers require medical treatment, there are several ways to help manage fever symptoms at home:

• Encourage fluid intake to prevent dehydration
• Dress the child in light clothing
• Keep the room temperature comfortable (not too hot or cold)
• Use a lukewarm compress on the forehead
• Give fever-reducing medications if advised by a doctor

Is it safe to use over-the-counter fever reducers for children? For children over 6 months, acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used under a doctor’s guidance. Never give aspirin to children due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.

When to avoid treating a fever

In some cases, it’s better to let a low-grade fever run its course:

• When the fever is below 102°F (38.9°C) and the child is comfortable
• If the doctor advises monitoring the fever without medication
• When the fever might be helping to fight off an infection

When to Seek Medical Attention for a Child’s Fever

While many fevers can be managed at home, certain situations require prompt medical attention:

Immediate medical care is needed if:

• A newborn (under 3 months) has any fever
• A child of any age has a fever above 104°F (40°C)
• The fever is accompanied by severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, extreme lethargy, or persistent vomiting
• The child experiences a febrile seizure
• The fever lasts more than 5 days
• The child appears very ill, regardless of the temperature

Should you wake a sleeping child to check their fever? Generally, it’s best to let a sleeping child rest. However, if you’re concerned about a very high fever or other serious symptoms, it may be necessary to wake them for assessment.

Preventing Fevers and Boosting Immune Health in Children

While it’s not always possible to prevent fevers, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of infections and support your child’s immune system:

• Encourage regular hand washing
• Keep vaccinations up to date
• Ensure adequate sleep and a balanced diet
• Limit exposure to sick individuals
• Teach good hygiene habits, like covering the mouth when coughing

Can certain foods help boost a child’s immune system? While no specific food can prevent fevers, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can support overall immune health.

The role of probiotics in immune health

Some studies suggest that probiotics may help support the immune system and potentially reduce the frequency of fevers in children. However, more research is needed to confirm these benefits.

Understanding when fevers become dangerous is crucial for parents and caregivers. By knowing the appropriate temperature thresholds for different age groups and recognizing warning signs, you can make informed decisions about when to seek medical attention. Remember, while fevers can be concerning, they are often a sign that your child’s body is effectively fighting off an infection. Always trust your instincts and don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider if you’re unsure about your child’s condition.

When Is a Fever Too High for a Child, Toddler, or Newborn?

Your little one feels warm to the touch. After taking their temperature, you realize it’s 103°F — a fever!

Even if this scenario sounds super familiar, it can still catch you off guard. Before you race to the doctor, though, take a deep breath.

It’s helpful to familiarize yourself with fever, its function in the human body, and any warning signs that may mean it’s serious — or, alternatively, when you can relax.

Related: What you should do if your newborn has a cold

Normal body temperature is around 98.6°F, though it may fluctuate slightly higher or lower throughout the day. A fever starts with any temperature that reaches 100.4°F or above.

A temperature between 100.4°F and 102.2°F is considered a low-grade fever; a temperature above 102.2°F is considered a high fever.

A fever isn’t a sickness in itself. Instead, elevated body temperature is a sign that your child’s immune system is hard at work fighting off some type of invader — usually an illness or infection.

Along with an elevated temperature, your child may experience these fever symptoms:

• chills
• sweating
• muscle aches
• appetite changes
• dehydration
• weakness
• changes in behavior

The number on the thermometer isn’t always the best indicator of how sick your child is. You need to take into account:

• your child’s age
• how they’re acting
• the number of days they’ve had the fever
• any other symptoms you observe

For example, a small percentage of younger kids — usually between the ages of 6 months and 5 years, according to Mayo Clinic — may even experience febrile seizures. These seizures may involve jerking motions or look like your child is passing out.

Call your doctor if your child experiences a seizure or call 911 if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.

In young babies, even slight temperatures may be a reason for concern. That’s why you should always contact your doctor or head to urgent care if your little one has any fever that’s 100. 4°F or above. (The same goes with a temperature lower than 97.7°F when taken rectally.)

You should also head to the ER if your baby has a fever and any of the following symptoms:

• trouble feeding
• trouble breathing
• unexplained rash
• vomiting or diarrhea
• acting differently (lethargic, inconsolable, etc.)

For the most accurate read, take your infant’s temperature with a digital thermometer inserted rectally (yes, that’s the best way). There’s some research to suggest that temporal artery thermometers can work accurately for this age as well, but speak with your doctor for guidelines.

Related: Baby fever 101: How to care for your child

In older babies and toddlers, call your doctor if your child’s fever is 102.2°F or above.

You’ll also want to pay attention to how your child responds to over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Always ask your pediatrician about giving any OTC drugs to babies under age 1.

If the fever doesn’t respond to fever reducers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen), there may be something more serious going on.

Other symptoms that warrant urgent care:

• trouble waking up
• trouble breathing
• decreased urine output
• difficulty keeping fluids down (vomiting)
• unexplained dark rash
• stiff neck, abdominal pain, or other concerns

Rectal reading may still be the best way to get an accurate temperature with older babies and toddlers. That said, you may also have success using a digital thermometer in the underarm or a temporal artery scanner.

If you have an in-ear thermometer, you’ll want to wait until your child is at least 6 months old to use it.

Related: Symptoms of fever in adults, children, and babies

For kids over age 3, a fever over 102° F that lasts for 2 or more days may be a reason for concern.

If their doctor tells you to keep an eye on it, a couple days may be OK.

However, if your little one has had a fever for 5 or more days, be sure to call back to make an appointment with their doctor. The same goes for a fever that doesn’t lower with OTC medications.

Other symptoms that may warrant urgent care:

• trouble breathing or swallowing
• difficulty keeping fluids down (vomiting)
• burning with urination or infrequent urination
• unexplained dark rash
• stiff neck, abdominal pain, or other concerns
• acting lethargic or difficult to wake

For children ages 4 and up, you may use a digital thermometer to take temperature orally under the tongue (if your child can hold it there long enough). For best results, be sure to wait 30 minutes after your child last ate or drank anything.

You may also take a reading in the ear or armpit — or even on the forehead using a temporal artery thermometer.

You know your child best. If you feel in your gut something is wrong, don’t hesitate to give your pediatrician’s office a call. And don’t feel silly — they get questions all the time and would rather you be extra safe when it comes to your child’s health.

Get in touch with your doctor or urgent care if:

• Your baby is younger than 3 months old with a fever over 100. 4°F.
• Your baby (ages 3 to 6 months) has a temperature of 102°F and is acting unlike themselves (lethargic, uncomfortable, etc.).
• Your older baby (ages 6 to 24 months) has a temperature over 102°F that lasts more than 1 day with no other signs of illness, like cough or diarrhea.
• Your child’s fever has been present for 5 days or longer.
• Your little one’s fever is 104°F or above, regardless of the presence of other symptoms.
• Your child’s fever doesn’t lower even when taking fever reducers.
• Your child is inconsolable, lethargic, or not acting like themselves.
• Your little one is showing signs of dehydration, like decreased urine output. (FYI: Babies should wet at least 4 diapers per day; older kids should urinate at least once every 8 to 12 hours.)
• Your child has recently had immunizations and has a fever of 102° F or higher.
• Your child has recently had immunizations and has had an elevated temperature for more than 48 hours.
• Your child has a febrile seizure. Call your doctor if it lasts less than 5 minutes. If longer, call 911.

Remember: You should always call your doctor for fever in babies under 3 months old.

Older kids do get fevers, though. So while it’s important to know when you should head to the doctor, it’s equally key to know when you can relax and monitor on your own.

In many cases, a fever is their body’s response to fighting off a mild illness. It will resolve on its own when the illness winds down and your child gets better.

You may be able to monitor at home if:

• A fever lasts fewer than 3 to 5 days, provided your little one is acting like themselves. Observe their eating, drinking, and play patterns to see if they’re at their normal level of activity. Being slightly more tired than usual is expected, though.
• The fever is below 102.5°F in children ages 3 months to 3 years or below 103°F in older kids. (Of course, this is provided there are no other warning signs. ) Temperatures in this range are common and don’t necessarily signal an emergency.
• Your child gets a low-grade fever following immunizations. A slight temperature in the first couple of days after shots isn’t necessarily a reason for concern.

Related: What are the flu symptoms in kids and how is it treated?

Chances are, your little one will have many fevers in their lifetime.

Pay attention to the number on the thermometer but also look at your child. If they’re acting normally and drinking enough fluids — and their fever goes away relatively quickly — you can relax and try at-home comfort measures, like giving them a lukewarm bath.

Otherwise, get in touch with your doctor or head to urgent care to get things checked out.

Fever in children | Ministry of Health NZ

If your child has a fever, it means their body temperature is above normal.

Around 37ºC is normal.

A fever is usually a normal response of a child’s immune system to a virus or bacterial infection. Most healthy children can tolerate a fever well.

A digital thermometer is the best type to use to get an accurate temperature reading.

Fever ranges and symptoms

38–38.9°C – mild fever
With a mild fever your child might have flushed cheeks, be less active and feel warm when you touch them.

39–39.9°C – high fever
With a high fever your child may have flushed cheeks, be less active, be fussy, might not want to eat or drink, and feel hot when you touch them.

40°C or higher – very high fever
With a very high fever your child will have flushed cheeks and feel very hot to touch.  They will be fussy, refusing food and drink, and will be very listless (lacking in energy).

When to see your doctor

• A baby under three months with a fever – even a mild one – must be taken to the doctor.
• A baby between three and six months with a high or very high fever (anything over 39 ºC) must be taken to the doctor.
• For older children, it‘s important to look at other symptoms and how unwell your child seems. Some mild diseases produce very high fevers and severe illnesses can produce mild fever.

You must also take your child to the doctor or emergency department quickly if they:

• have a very high fever (over 40ºC)
• are still feverish after three days of home treatment, or seem to be getting sicker
• are shivering or shaking uncontrollably or have chattering teeth
• have a severe headache that does not get better after taking painkillers
• are breathing differently or having trouble breathing
• are getting confused, unusually drowsy or you can’t wake them up properly
• seem floppy or complain of leg pain.

Signs of meningitis

If you child has any of the symptoms below, along with a fever, they could have a serious illness like meningitis:

• Hallucinations
• Vomiting
• A stiff neck (they’re unable to put their chin on their chest or have pain when moving their neck forward)
• A skin rash.

The meningitis skin rash looks like purple/red pinpricks that don’t disappear when you press the skin.

See your doctor or go to the Emergency Department immediately if your child has any of these symptoms.

Signs of dehydration

If your child is becoming dehydrated, you should also see your doctor.

The signs are:

• a dry mouth
• sunken eyes
• no tears
• their skin does not relax after being pinched.  

In babies, their fontanelle may be sunken.

Signs of an infection

If your child’s fever goes away for more than 24 hours and then returns, you should take them to the doctor as this could be a sign of an infection that needs treatment.

Call Healthline 0800 611 116 if you are unsure what you should do.

If your child has a seizure

Sometimes a fever can lead to a febrile seizure (also called a ‘fit’ or ‘febrile convulsion’).

The seizure may occur without warning. Your child may jerk or twitch and become stiff or floppy. They may become unconscious or unaware of their surroundings, or have trouble breathing.

If this happens, follow these steps.

• Lie your child on their side.
• Make sure they don’t breathe in any vomit.
• If the seizure doesn’t stop within five minutes, call 111.
• Take your child to your doctor or Emergency Department when the seizure has stopped.

Caring for your child with a fever

Most fevers last only three to four days – and a mild fever may not need any treatment at all. 

Try these ideas if your child’s fever is mild (as long as they have no other worrying symptoms – if they do, see your doctor).

• Give them plenty of fluids to drink – little and often. This helps cool them down and replaces fluids lost through sweating. Water is best – or breast milk, for a breastfed baby.
• Dress them in lightweight clothes and use lighter bedding. Keep the room temperature normal.
• Put cool cloths on your child’s face, arms and neck to help them cool down. Don’t use any rapid cooling methods that make your child shiver. (The muscle movement in shivering will actually raise your child’s temperature and can make their fever worse.)
• You can give your child paracetamol or ibuprofen if they’re distressed or unwell. However, don’t use these medicines just to reduce a fever if your child is otherwise well. Make sure you double check dose instructions and give according to your child’s weight and the directions provided with the specific medication for both timing and dose. (It‘s very important for your child to not get dehydrated if taking ibuprofen, as there is a risk of kidney disease.) 
• Don’t treat fever with aspirin in children under 18, as there’s a risk of Reye’s syndrome, which is very serious.
• Check your child’s skin colour, activity, breathing and hydration after giving paracetamol or ibuprofen.  
• Check your child during the night.
• If your child doesn’t seem to improve or you’re at all worried, take them to your doctor.

causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment methods – GBUZ MO DCGB

The virus is transmitted to humans from rodents: field mice, voles, lemmings, etc. Infection occurs during direct contact with an animal, through the mouth (dirty hands, unwashed berries), by inhalation of dust, which contains the remains of excrement.

Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome occurs in the form of outbreaks, most often from June to October, since this is the time when people most often go to nature. Single cases occur throughout the year. Villagers are most at risk. It is known that the disease is caused by a virus, but scientists have not yet been able to get it in its pure form in the laboratory and study it well.

Manifestations of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome

The disease is preceded by an incubation period. It can last from 4 to 48 days, in most patients – 2-3 weeks. At this time, there are no symptoms. There may be only mild malaise and a slight increase in body temperature.

In the first 1-6 days of illness, body temperature rises to 38-40⁰C. There is a severe headache, chills, pain in the lower back and muscles. Bright light causes severe pain to the eyes. Objects seem blurry, as if “a grid appears” before the eyes. The skin of the face, neck and upper chest turns red. The tongue is coated with white. Blood pressure drops. The infection can manifest itself in the form of bronchitis, pneumonia. The liver and spleen increase in size, which can cause the stomach to grow outwardly.

On the 3rd-4th day of illness, hemorrhages occur on the skin, first in the armpits, then on the sides of the body. The entire body of the patient may be covered with hemorrhages in the form of a rash. This is due to the fact that the virus infects the blood vessels. At this time, the patient’s condition worsens greatly.

On the 6-9th day of illness, body temperature returns to normal, the condition temporarily improves. But there is pallor of the skin, cyanosis of the feet and hands, severe pain in the lower back. If the patient is given injections, then hemorrhages remain in their places. When coughing, blood comes out with sputum, vomiting with blood occurs. The stool becomes black, resembling tar. The amount of urine is greatly reduced. This condition is the most dangerous. It is caused by dysfunction of the kidneys. If treatment is absent or carried out incorrectly, then convulsions develop that can lead to the death of the patient.

On the 10-16th day of illness, the patient’s condition begins to recover. The amount of urine increases. All symptoms gradually disappear.

What can you do?

Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome is treated in a hospital. The disease is not transmitted from person to person, so the patient does not need to be isolated. Assign strict bed rest, limit the amount of food containing large amounts of protein and potassium. The patient is recommended to drink mineral water. The main treatment of the disease is the appointment of antiviral drugs. In the hospital, kidney function is constantly monitored, and the amount of urine is monitored. With severe violations of kidney function, hemodialysis is performed.

What can a doctor do?

Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome is treated in a hospital. The disease is not transmitted from person to person, so the patient does not need to be isolated. Assign strict bed rest, limit the amount of food containing large amounts of protein and potassium. The patient is recommended to drink mineral water. The main treatment of the disease is the appointment of antiviral drugs. In the hospital, kidney function is constantly monitored, and the amount of urine is monitored. With severe violations of kidney function, hemodialysis is performed.

Prognosis

Approximately 1-10% of patients with hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome die. Sometimes these figures reach 15% or more. In many ways, the likelihood of a positive outcome depends on the correct and timely treatment.

Prevention

Rodent control is carried out in areas where outbreaks occur frequently. A vaccine against this infection has not yet been developed.

From the heading Uncategorized, News

Exotic countries are beautiful, but dangerous – Disease prevention and healthy lifestyle – Budgetary institution of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug – Yugra

Exotic countries are beautiful but dangerous

The Russians, who have chosen the warm regions of tropical and subtropical latitudes for their holidays, are increasingly “catching” diseases that have never been recorded in the Russian Federation before.

According to Rospotrebnadzor, imported cases of dengue fever among Russians increased in 2013. In 2012, 37 cases were detected, in 2013 only in January – 29. Moreover, all diseases are associated with a stay in Thailand.

Where does it come from and how can you get infected with this infectious disease?

The causative agent of Dengue fever is a virus that has 4 types. This feature makes it difficult to work on the creation of a vaccine.

Viruses are transmitted from a sick person to a healthy person by the bite of certain types of mosquitoes. Previously, these insects lived in certain areas of the globe, in the Philippines, Thailand, but with the development of international relations, economic exchange, intensive migration of the earth’s population, mosquitoes were able to find a favorable habitat in 125 countries of the world, including countries in Africa, Latin America.

Global warming will allow heat-loving vectors to further expand their range.

What is dengue fever, how does it manifest itself?

Bone-break fever, joint fever, giraffe fever, five-day fever, seven-day fever, date disease are the same viral infection. These names reflect many of the symptoms of the disease: chills, pain in the bones and muscles, a wave-like rise in temperature to 400 and its sharp decrease, loss of appetite and a complete breakdown, petechial hemorrhages, various rashes on the skin and mucous membranes.

Infection for the first time, as a rule, ends safely, but re-infection can cause a more severe form of the disease – hemorrhagic, when blood vessels of different calibers are affected. Such cases of the disease can be fatal.

A person with dengue fever is contagious to others in the presence of mosquito vectors around him. Having drunk blood with a virus, the mosquito becomes dangerous for healthy people only after 8-12 days, provided that the air temperature is not lower than + 220 C. The bloodsucker remains infected for more than 3 months, and spreads the infection sparing no wings.

How can you protect yourself from dengue fever?

Currently, the only way to control and prevent transmission of Dengue virus is to control the mosquitoes that carry the disease.

Research shows that in Asia and the Americas, mosquitoes of this species breed mainly in man-made containers such as earthenware vessels, metal barrels and concrete cisterns used to store domestic water supplies, as well as discarded plastic food containers, old car tires and other objects in which rainwater accumulates.