My baby has had a fever since yesterday, what should I do?
April 24, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Benjamin Meier
Dear pediatrician team,
My name is Elvira Schaaf and I am very worried about my baby. Since yesterday, my child suddenly has a fever and I don't know what to do. Our little treasure is only six months old and I am concerned that he is not feeling well.
The current situation is that my baby has a high temperature that feels abnormal. He is restless, cries frequently, and does not seem as active as usual. I have already given him fever medication, but the fever is not going down. I regularly measure his temperature and it stays consistently above 38 degrees.
My concerns are great, as I do not know what could be causing the fever. I wonder if it could be an infection or if it is something more serious. I am considering whether I should go to the emergency room immediately or if there are other measures I can take at home.
So my question to you is: What should I do if my baby has had a fever since yesterday? Are there specific signs I should look out for? Should I see a doctor immediately or are there measures I can take at home to lower the fever and help my child? I am grateful for your help and advice.
Thank you in advance.
Sincerely,
Elvira Schaaf
Dear Elvira Schaaf,
I understand your concerns about your six-month-old baby who suddenly developed a fever. It is understandable that you are worried and wondering what you can do in this situation. Fever in infants can indeed be frightening, but it is important to stay calm and take appropriate action.
First of all, it is good that you are regularly measuring your baby's temperature and have already given fever suppositories. However, if the fever is above 38 degrees and does not go down, it is important to seek medical advice. Especially in infants under one year old, it is important to act quickly, as their immune system is not fully developed and they are more susceptible to infections.
If your baby is also restless, crying frequently, and less active than usual, these may be signs that they are not feeling well. Other symptoms to watch out for include breathing problems, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, or a pale or bluish skin color. If you notice any of these symptoms or continue to feel unsure, it is advisable to seek immediate medical attention.
In the meantime, you can try to reduce the fever by dressing your baby lightly to prevent overheating, giving them enough fluids, and keeping them in a cool room. However, avoid trying to lower the fever with cold compresses or alcohol, as this can cause the fever to rise uncontrollably.
Overall, it is important to pay attention to your baby's signals and always seek medical attention if in doubt. A medical examination can determine the exact cause of the fever and initiate the appropriate treatment. So do not hesitate to contact your pediatrician or the emergency room promptly to provide your baby with the best possible care.
I hope that my response was helpful to you and I am available for any further questions.
Sincerely,
Benjamin Meier (Pediatrician)
