Overview

Children can have varying normal body temperatures, but a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher indicates a fever, which is commonly known as pyrexia and may be worrisome.

It’s important to monitor a child’s temperature regularly when they are sick, as a fever can be a sign of an underlying infection or illness. In addition to a high temperature, other symptoms of fever may include chills, sweating, headache, and body aches.

If a child has a fever, it’s important to provide them with plenty of fluids, rest, and comfort. Over-the-counter fever-reducing medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can also help alleviate discomfort and reduce fever.

If a child’s fever persists for more than a few days, or if they are experiencing other concerning symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly. A healthcare provider can help determine the underlying cause of the fever and recommend appropriate treatment.

Causes of Fever

Viruses, such as colds, coughs, and flu, are the usual culprits behind fevers in children, with bacterial infections being less common. Other causes may include autoimmune conditions, inflammatory issues, or reactions to vaccinations.

Symptoms of Fever

A fever can make a child feel unwell and experience changes in skin color, headaches, stomach discomfort, or overall malaise. Chills, flushed skin, or nausea may also accompany the fever.

Other common symptoms of fever may include:

• Increased body temperature
• Sweating or shivering
• General weakness or fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle aches
• Dizziness or lightheadedness

Checking for Fever

For accurate body temperature measurement, use a digital thermometer. Different methods, such as underarm or ear readings, are suitable for children of different ages.

Medical Assessment

If a fever persists, it is advisable to take a thorough medical history and conduct an examination. Further tests may be necessary to rule out serious infections or underlying health issues.

When to Seek Medical Help

If a fever is accompanied by symptoms such as severe headache, shortness of breath, chest pain, or confusion, seek medical help immediately. These could be signs of a more serious condition.

Preventing Fever

Practicing good hygiene, staying hydrated, getting enough rest, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals can help prevent fevers caused by contagious illnesses.

Management and Treatment

To help a child with a fever, focus on keeping them comfortable, hydrated, and monitor their symptoms. Over-the-counter medications like paracetamol or ibuprofen can provide relief, but should be used judiciously. Seek medical attention when needed. It’s important to ensure the child gets plenty of rest and stays hydrated by drinking lots of fluids. Keeping them in comfortable clothing and in a cool environment can help reduce their discomfort.

Emergency Situations

If your child experiences symptoms like difficulty breathing, rash, dehydration, or a prolonged fever, seek immediate medical help. Some signs to watch out for include persistent high fever, persistent vomiting, seizures, or any other concerning symptoms. If you are unsure whether your child’s symptoms are serious, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and seek medical advice.

When to Seek Help

If the fever escalates, persists, or is accompanied by severe symptoms, consult a healthcare professional. In case of febrile seizures, ensure the child’s safety and seek prompt medical attention if required.

Antibiotics and Recovery

Antibiotics may be prescribed for bacterial infections. Completing the entire course is crucial to prevent antibiotic resistance. Stay vigilant for any changes in your child’s condition and consult healthcare providers as necessary.

Podcast Discussion

Tune in to a Bupa podcast episode where Dr. Samantha Wild and Alice Windsor discuss childhood viruses and management strategies to stay informed about relevant health information.

Understanding why children experience various illnesses throughout childhood is crucial for building a robust immune system. Children may pick up viruses, ranging from mild colds to more severe diseases like tonsillitis or croup. It’s essential to address why children are susceptible to illnesses during childhood.

Dr. Samantha Wild:

In the early years of life, exposure to viruses helps children develop a healthy immunity. Newborns have delicate immune systems, making breastfeeding and vaccines vital. By encountering viruses in daycare settings and schools, children build immunity, typically experiencing several colds and viral gastroenteritis episodes yearly.

As children grow, their illness frequency decreases as their immune system matures. It’s common for children to recover from one illness only to catch another quickly. Parents should trust their instincts and seek medical advice when necessary.

Dr. Samantha Wild:

Common childhood viruses like colds and coughs are prevalent but don’t usually require antibiotics as they are viral in nature. Managing these illnesses at home with hydration and paracetamol is often sufficient. Parents should trust their instincts and seek medical advice when needed.

Dr. Samantha Wild:

Monitoring a child’s temperature is vital, as a normal temperature is around 36.4°C, with anything over 38°C considered high. While high temperatures are common and often resolve on their own, providing comfort and appropriate medication when distressed can help. Seek medical advice if the fever persists or if concerning symptoms arise.

Dr. Samantha Wild:

For medical guidance, contact your GP during normal hours or call 111 for after-hours support. In severe cases like breathing difficulties or unusual rashes, seek emergency assistance. Trust your parental instincts and prioritize your child’s well-being.

Dr. Samantha Wild:

It’s common for young children to develop viral rashes during illnesses, appearing as red or pink spots across the body. These rashes are often benign and symmetrical, accompanying viral infections with symptoms like fever, runny nose, or cough. Seek medical advice if uncertain about a rash or if it persists.

Children may display symptoms like fever, runny nose, or cough, indicating an underlying problem.

If the child is otherwise well, a cough or cold accompanied by a rash may not be concerning. Medical attention is necessary for a definitive diagnosis or if the rash causes discomfort.

A rash associated with meningitis is a serious issue requiring immediate medical attention.

The glass test, using pressure to check for rash discoloration, can determine if there’s bleeding under the skin, indicating an emergency.

Other reasons to see a GP for a rash include lethargy, dehydration, persistent fever, or a rash not improving after a few days.

Coughs are common in colds, and as long as the child is eating, drinking, and breathing normally, a cough is usually not alarming.

However, a persistent cough lasting over three weeks or accompanied by a high fever, breathing problems, or worsening at night may require medical attention.

Concerns about childhood infections during the pandemic and their impact on long-term immunity remain uncertain. It’s anticipated that illnesses may resurge as children resume normal interactions.

Due to the evolving nature of flu viruses, annual vaccinations are necessary, with similar strategies possibly applying to COVID vaccines.

Experts foresee COVID vaccinations for children aged 12 and above in the near future to curb the virus’s spread.

Dr. Samantha Wild and Alice Windsor delve into common childhood viruses, management strategies, and the changing landscape of vaccines on a podcast.

Common childhood viruses [podcast]

Why children pick up so many viruses | Podcast | Listen in 18:31 minutes

Join Dr. Samantha Wild and Alice Windsor in a podcast conversation on childhood viruses, their management, and the potential effects of the pandemic on children’s immunity and vaccination programs.

Speaker: Alice Windsor

Welcome to another episode of the Bupa Healthy Me Podcast! Today, Dr. Samantha Wild, a Bupa GP, and I will explore common childhood viruses and the significance of fostering a robust immune system.

Children are prone to catching viruses and diseases such as colds and tonsillitis. Understanding why children experience frequent illnesses is pivotal as viruses aid in immunity development. Newborns have fragile immune systems, highlighting the importance of breastfeeding and vaccinations.

Children build immunity through exposure to viruses. School-aged children may experience several colds and gastroenteritis bouts annually. Even after recovery, children may fall ill again quickly, but this frequency diminishes with age.

Common childhood viruses like colds and coughs are typically mild and do not necessitate antibiotics. Managing these illnesses with hydration and rest at home is generally sufficient. Parents should rely on their instincts and seek medical help as needed.

A high temperature can be distressing for parents, with a fever over 38°C possibly indicating an infection. Offering fluids and monitoring symptoms is crucial. Seek medical advice if the child shows signs of distress or dehydration.

Know when to seek medical help. Trust your instincts. Contact your GP first, or call 111 for guidance. In severe situations, dial 999. Look out for signs like breathing difficulties or unusual rashes.

Viral rashes, common during illnesses, are self-limiting. Monitor the rash and seek assistance if unsure. Understanding your child’s overall health is essential. Trust your parental instincts.

Have queries about childhood viruses? Let’s address them together. Stay informed and rely on your instincts as a parent!

Viral rashes, common in young children, present as red or pink spots on large areas like the chest and back. They are usually non-itchy, symmetrical, and follow viral infections with symptoms like fever, runny nose, or cough. If the child is well with a cough or cold and the rash is painless, medical attention is not required. However, seeing a doctor is essential for a definite diagnosis or if the rash causes discomfort. A rash from meningitis is a medical emergency.

The tumbler test can detect a meningitis rash. If the rash doesn’t fade with pressure, it could signify a serious issue. Other reasons to visit a doctor for a rash include lethargy, dehydration, persistent fever, or lack of improvement after a few days.

Coughs often accompany colds due to mucus draining down the throat. If the child is eating, drinking, and breathing normally, there’s usually no cause for concern. A cough persisting over three weeks, along with a high fever or breathing issues, may warrant medical attention.

For children with croup, steam is not advised. Keeping the child calm and upright, along with steroid medication if necessary, can help. Concerns about children missing common infections due to COVID precautions may arise, but as children interact in school, diseases might reemerge.

Annual flu vaccinations are essential due to waning immunity and changing flu strains. COVID vaccines are likely to require periodic doses too. Children over 12 may soon be eligible for the COVID vaccine for herd immunity.

Knowing when to seek medical advice for childhood illnesses is paramount. Resources like the Bupa website can offer further guidance on managing childhood diseases.