My child has a fever

Fever is very common in children. This is because they are more susceptible to infections and bacteria. Often a fever is harmless and not harmful. 

First, what is a fever?

A fever is when the body temperature is 38 degrees or higher. The temperature then often fluctuates between 38 and 41 degrees. Fever is a good and normal reaction when a virus or bacteria enters your body. 

What is the best way to measure body temperature?

The most reliable way to measure body temperature is through the anus. If your child struggles, you can also use a ear thermometer. This is slightly less reliable but reasonably accurate. What is more convenient and hygienic is to use extra lens filters with it. That way you can use a clean filter every time. This thermometer you may NOT use on babies younger than 3 months. Body temperature always rises slightly in the evening. The level of fever does not say much about the severity of the illness. Be sure to monitor the symptoms so that you can better assess the severity.

When should I call the family doctor?

• If your baby is younger than 3 months ( and it is not due to a vaccination).
• If your child is suffering from heart or lung disease.
• If your child is on medication that reduces immunity. 
• If your child has missed a consultation vaccination. 
• If your child becomes drowsy.
• If your child becomes short of breath.

Watch for the following symptoms if your child has a fever:

• Is your child behaving differently than usual?
• Is your child drowsy, stuffy or inconsolable?
• Does your child have red spots that do not fade when you press on them?
• Does your child keep vomiting?
• Does your child not want to drink and/or urinates too little.

What can you do yourself?

Make sure your child is not dressed too warmly. If it is, the fever cannot sweat itself out properly. Also make sure your child or baby is getting enough fluids. Children with a fever lose fluids faster than normal and are therefore more likely to become dehydrated. Dehydration increases the risk of developing a high fever. 

Fever after vaccination, how does it happen?

• Your child is vaccinated against 12 different diseases. These diseases are caused by bacteria and viruses. 
• Each vaccination contains small particles of these bacteria or viruses.

Makers of the vaccinations have changed these particles. As a result, the particles cannot make your child sick. However, your child's body wants to clear this right away. That's why the body makes antibodies. These substances protect your body from diseases. This keeps your child from getting sick when the real bacteria and viruses enter the body. Your child's body has to work very hard to make those substances, which is why fever may occur. This is a good sign.

Medications? 

In principle, fever goes away by itself. If your child doesn't feel well, you can give him or her a paracetamol or a suppository. Make sure your child has eaten something before taking the paracetamol. Read the package insert carefully for the correct dosage. 

Feverfew

A febrile convulsion can be very frightening for parents. Your child cannot jerk his or her legs and arms. They may pass out. Become very drowsy. A febrile convulsion lasts about 15 minutes. They are often drowsy for another hour. 

Is your child younger than 6 months or older than five years and has a febrile seizure? If so, always call your doctor.

What to do in the event of a febrile seizure?

• Empty the mouth with a finger.
• Lay the child on his side.
• Make sure your child cannot hurt himself or herself on furniture that is in the way, for example.

Fever slowly subsides

Thankfully, your child is feeling much better. Keep an eye on him or her over the next few days and pay special attention to whether they are getting enough fluids and nutrition. This is very important. If all goes well, they can go back to playing outside and going to school.