A new parent touches the baby’s forehead and feels that it is hot. Within seconds, a race begins involving thermometers, parenting groups, grandmothers, internet searches, and one question: Is it dangerous? When it comes to a fever in babies, age is no less important than the number. A two–week–old baby with 38 degrees is not a 4–year–old child with the same fever.
In young babies, especially under the age of 3 months, a fever of 38 degrees or higher in a reliable measurement is considered a sign that requires immediate medical attention. The reason is not that the fever itself is necessarily dangerous, but that it may be the only expression of a significant infection. The immune system at this age is still young, and small babies do not always show clear signs like older children.
The method of measurement is also important. Forehead, ear, or armpit measurements can be less accurate in young babies. In a home measurement, one must follow the instructions of the doctor or the Tipat Halav well–baby clinic, and in any case, when there is doubt at a young age, you do not settle for a feeling. If a young baby looks sick, sleepy, apathetic, struggles to breathe, refuses to eat, or produces fewer wet diapers, you seek an examination even if the thermometer is not particularly impressive.
In a baby 3 months old or older, the picture is slightly different, but still requires discretion. A fever accompanied by a good general condition, reasonable drinking, alertness, and responsiveness to the environment can sometimes be managed at home according to medical guidelines. But a very high fever, a fever lasting several days, a fever with a suspicious rash, shortness of breath, repeated vomiting, a stiff neck, unusual crying, sleepiness, or signs of dehydration require medical attention.
It is important not to panic over every rise in the thermometer. A fever is a response of the body to an infection or inflammation, and not an enemy in its own right. The goal is not always to lower the number to 36.8, but to improve the baby’s comfort, prevent dehydration, and identify dangerous situations. Fever–reducing medications are given according to age and weight, and not by an approximate estimation. Do not give medications that are not suitable for babies, and do not combine medications without instruction.
Many parents give cold baths or alcohol wraps, and these are actions that are not recommended and can be harmful. It is preferable to dress the baby in light clothing, offer feeding or drinking according to age, keep the room pleasant, and monitor the level of alertness and breathing. A baby with a fever should not be wrapped in many layers.
In any case of fever in a young baby, the correct question is not only "what came out on the thermometer," but "how old is the baby, how do they look, are they eating, are they breathing well, and are they responding normally." The number is important, but the child is more important. General warning signs that always require a visit to the emergency room:
- Any fever in a baby under 3 months
- A fever that lasts more than 3 consecutive days
- No urination for more than 10 consecutive hours
- More than 3 consecutive episodes of vomiting Bleeding on the skin
- Excessive sleepiness or loss of consciousness
- Extreme headache that awakens from sleep or fear of light
- Blurred vision Bloody cough or bloody stools
- Shortness of breath and inability to complete a sentence
Dr. Itay Gal is a specialist in pediatrics, a sports and aviation physician, and the medical commentator for Maariv. For more articles, click here