What to do when a child has a cold fever?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor I Nguyen Thi My Linh - Neonatologist - Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Da Nang International General Hospital and resident Doctor Duong Van Sy - Pediatrics Department - Newborns - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.
Fever is a common symptom in young children. However, when a child has a fever and shivers, many parents are confused, not knowing whether to apply a cool compress or warm it up. So what is the reasonable way to care for a child with a cold fever?

1. How does cold fever in children manifest?

Fever is one of those problems that every young child has experienced at least once. This is the body's natural response to harmful agents.
Children with high fever may also have chills. Although the body temperature is high, the limbs are cold and purple, and the whole body is shaking. Many people mistake this phenomenon for a febrile convulsion. However, parents can check to see if the child is foaming at the mouth or rolling his eyes, if these features are not present and the child has a cold foot fever, it is just a cold fever.
Convulsions or chills due to fever can occur in the same child. It can be a warning sign for dangerous diseases such as meningitis, encephalitis... Therefore, parents need to pay close attention when taking care of children with fever. If you see any unusual symptoms, take the child to the hospital immediately for examination.

2. What to do when the child has a cold fever?

In the process of taking care of a child with fever and chills, it should be noted:
Let the child lie in a cool place, open the door for air circulation, limit many people around the child Have the child wear thin, sweat-absorbent clothes, do not cover the child with a blanket Apply a warm towel to the child who has a fever or wipe the child's body with a warm towel to reduce the body temperature, especially in the armpits and groin. Feed the child easily digestible foods and drink plenty of water. If the baby is still breastfed, increase the amount of feeding and feeding. If the child vomits or is very dehydrated, give oresol to rehydrate When caring for a child with a fever, it is important to continuously monitor the child's temperature. young. Use a thermometer to measure the child's armpit or anus. If the child's fever is over 38.5 degrees, give the child fever-reducing medicine. After taking the medicine about 30-45 minutes, check the child's temperature again. Do not measure immediately after taking the medicine because it may not be effective at this time. Note, give the child the right antipyretic drug, the right dose according to the child's weight.
In case the child has a high fever and does not help with fever-reducing medicine, the child should be taken to the hospital as soon as possible for timely treatment.

3. Common mistakes when taking care of children with cold fever

The most common mistake parents make is when they see a child with a fever and cold feet or a child who has both a fever and a cold cry, they should cover the child with blankets, wear many clothes, and close the door for fear of the wind entering the room. This is against the basic principles of caring for a child with a fever.
Normally, a person with a very high fever will have a very hot body temperature inside but it will be cold outside, especially the more warm they are, the more they cover the blanket the colder they feel. The higher the fever, the more chill the patient is. Therefore, parents should absolutely not cover the child with blankets or close the door, which will make the space secret, making the child even more uncomfortable.
The second most common mistake is applying cold to the child. Many people think that when a child has a fever or high temperature, applying a cold towel will make the child feel cooler and help reduce the fever. However, many studies have shown that applying cold compresses to the forehead or armpits not only has no effect on reducing fever but also harms children. If the child has pneumonia or other infectious diseases, the parents applying cold compresses can make the child's situation even more serious. In addition, if applying ice, it can cause frostbite, skin damage and respiratory failure in children. Therefore, parents should use a towel dipped in warm water to apply to the child.
Chilling fever is one of the symptoms of fever in children. Parents should calmly handle and strictly follow the rules when taking care of children with fever in general, in addition, they should be careful not to make the above mistakes when taking care of children with cold fever, to avoid letting the child's illness occur. turn worse.
Doctor Nguyen Thi My Linh has 12 years of experience in the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric diseases, especially neonatal resuscitation and neonatal treatment. In addition, the doctor has strengths in the field of breastfeeding counseling as well as examination, counseling and nutritional intervention in children.
Doctor Duong Van Sy has had 09 years of experience in the field of Pediatrics with strengths in examination, consultation and treatment of diseases in children; Emergency resuscitation, anti-poisoning for infants and children, .. and is currently a resident doctor of Pediatrics - Neonatology Department of Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.
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Gathering a team of top doctors and nurses in Pediatrics : consists of leading experts with high professional qualifications (professors, associate professors, doctorates, masters), experienced, worked at major hospitals such as Bach Mai, 108.. Doctors All doctors are well-trained, professional, conscientious, knowledgeable about young psychology. In addition to domestic pediatric specialists, the Department of Pediatrics also has the participation of foreign experts (Japan, Singapore, Australia, USA) who are always pioneers in applying the latest and most effective treatment regimens. . Comprehensive services: In the field of Pediatrics, Vinmec provides a series of continuous medical examination and treatment services from Newborn to Pediatric and Vaccine,... according to international standards to help parents take care of their baby's health from birth to childhood. from birth to adulthood Specialized techniques: Vinmec has successfully deployed many specialized techniques to make the treatment of difficult diseases in Pediatrics more effective: neurosurgery - skull surgery, stem cell transplantation. blood in cancer treatment. Professional care: In addition to understanding children's psychology, Vinmec also pays special attention to the children's play space, helping them to have fun and get used to the hospital's environment, cooperate in treatment, improve the efficiency of medical treatment.

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