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When fever in children is a sign of something serious

It is important to consider the temperature and overall condition of your child before assessing the seriousness of the illness.

It is very important to observe the symptoms that accompany a fever.

Body temperature in children is relatively high and unstable compared with that in adults. There are differences between individuals, but in general it is common to classify a temperature above 37.5C as a ‘fever’. When a child has fever, carefully examine what other symptoms there are. Careful observation of the child can be useful in determining the cause of the fever. When there are no particular illness symptoms other than the fever, there is no need to panic. However, for very young infants less than 3 months old, it is advisable to seek medical attention immediately.

Key points when observing children

Food and drink
Does the child have an appetite? Is the child drinking? What did the child eat (drink), how much and when?

Urine, feces and sweat
The frequency of urination, the time of last urination and if there are symptoms such as diarrhea or constipation, sweating, etc.

Various symptoms Body temperature, energy levels, seizures, coughing, runny nose, breathing, feeling pain in places such as the stomach or head, a rash, etc.

Environment
Whether there is currently a virus or a particular disease (such as influenza) spreading around locally or at the child’s school, etc.

“Is there a high fever which can cause brain disorders?”
Children can sometimes get a sudden high fever above 40 C, but most of the time there is no damage to the brain or internal organs unless the body temperature exceeds 41.7 C.


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