October brings fluctuating weather, leftover monsoon water and mosquito breeding, which is why fevers rise at this time of the year. Most fevers in children are mild and viral, but some need prompt medical attention. Knowing the difference can save time and keep your child safe.
What is a fever?
Fever is the body’s natural response to infection. In children, a temperature of 100.4 F (38 C) or above is usually considered a fever. Fever itself is not a disease, and the number on the thermometer does not always show how sick a child is. How your child looks and behaves matters just as much.
Common causes of fever in this season
- Viral fever: the most common cause, often with cold, cough, sore throat or body ache
- Dengue: spread by Aedes mosquitoes that breed in clean stagnant water
- Typhoid: spread through contaminated food and water
- Malaria, chikungunya and other mosquito-borne infections
- Throat, ear and urinary infections, and gastroenteritis
Viral fever
Viral fevers usually last 3 to 5 days, may come with runny nose, cough, mild body pain and tiredness, and improve with rest, fluids and fever medicine given at the right dose. Antibiotics do not work against viruses and should not be given unless your doctor prescribes them.
Dengue
Dengue causes high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, body and joint pain, vomiting and sometimes a rash. The risky phase often begins when the fever comes down, around day 3 to 7, when some children may develop warning signs. Children with dengue need proper monitoring, blood tests and fluids as advised by a doctor.
Warning signs of dengue include severe stomach pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding from the nose or gums, black stools, drowsiness or restlessness, cold hands and feet, and very little urine. These need immediate hospital care.
Typhoid
Typhoid usually presents as a fever that lasts for several days and climbs gradually, along with weakness, stomach pain, loss of appetite and constipation or loose stools. It needs correct diagnosis and a full course of the right antibiotic prescribed by a doctor. Stopping medicines early can lead to relapse.
Home care for a child with fever
- Give plenty of fluids such as water, ORS, soups, coconut water and breast milk or feeds for babies.
- Dress the child in light clothing and keep the room comfortable. Do not wrap in thick blankets.
- Paracetamol can be used for comfort at the dose advised by your pediatrician according to your child’s weight. Do not give aspirin to children.
- Do not give antibiotics or other medicines on your own.
- Offer light, easily digestible food and let the child rest.
- A lukewarm sponge can help, but never use cold water or alcohol rubs.
When to worry: see a doctor urgently if
- The baby is under 3 months and has any fever
- Fever lasts more than 3 days, or keeps returning
- Temperature is very high (above 104 F or 40 C) or does not come down with medicine
- The child is unusually sleepy, floppy, irritable or hard to wake
- There is repeated vomiting, severe headache, neck stiffness or a seizure
- There is difficulty in breathing or fast breathing
- The child is not drinking or passing urine for many hours
- There is a rash that does not fade on pressing, bleeding or severe abdominal pain
- The child has a chronic illness, such as heart disease or low immunity
Preventing seasonal fevers
- Remove stagnant water from coolers, pots, tyres and flower vases at least once a week to prevent mosquito breeding.
- Use mosquito nets, repellents suitable for children and full-sleeved clothes.
- Give only boiled or filtered water, and fresh, hygienic food.
- Teach handwashing before meals and after using the toilet.
- Keep vaccinations up to date, including the typhoid vaccine as advised.
Child care in Kukatpally, KPHB
If your child has a fever and you are unsure what to do, a timely check-up helps to find the cause, avoid unnecessary medicines, and spot warning signs early. Dr. Prathyusha, a pediatrician in Kukatpally, KPHB, sees children with fever and seasonal illnesses and guides parents with clear, practical advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I give paracetamol for every fever?
Fever medicine is meant for the child’s comfort, usually if the child is uncomfortable or the fever is high. The dose depends on weight, so follow your pediatrician’s advice.
Can fever cause brain damage?
Common fevers from infections do not damage the brain. The cause of the fever and the child’s condition are what matter, so look at how sick the child is.
How do I know if it is dengue?
Dengue cannot be confirmed by symptoms alone. If your child has high fever with severe body pain, vomiting or any warning sign, see a doctor for tests.
When can my child go back to school?
Usually when the fever has settled for at least 24 hours without medicine and the child feels well. Stay home longer if your doctor advises.
Does the child have a fever? Consult Dr. Prathyusha, Pediatrician, Kukatpally, KPHB.