Infant Fever
Infants are susceptible to common illnesses particularly in the first year of life as the immune system develops, and in that time problems such as infant fever, coughs, colds and tummy bugs are to be expected. The most important thing is to know how to recognize and better still how to treat these illnesses.
Body Temperature
The ‘normal’ body temperature of an infant is between 36 and 37 degrees Celsius. However, body temperature tends to rise at night; therefore, a fever would not be recognized until the body temperature rose above 37.3 degrees. It is recommended that all parents of infants and young children have a thermometer on hand in the event that the child becomes unwell. Digital thermometers are the most reliable and are commonly used in health centers and hospitals as they provide an accurate reading which is obtained quickly and without any undue distress to the child.
When an infant becomes unwell with a cough or cold, in particular there may be a problem of an associated fever which is the main reason the infant may feel particularly unwell. Innocent ailments such as coughs and colds can pass within a few days. However even though a fever can last only an hour or two, it can be potentially dangerous to a small child if not treated.
Infant Fever: Knowing When to Act
Infant fever can occur at a moment’s notice. Fortunately signs of this are relatively obvious, and an infant will react in such a way that displays a change in behavior obvious to parents. Signs of this can include:
