The Hidden Truths Of Children’s Viral Fevers: A Parent’s Must

So, you think that your baby’s body feels warm, and you are worried that he might be down with viral fever! You take his temperature. It veers close to 99. You call a doctor, seeking an appointment, only to find out there is no need to panic. If that’s so, does your baby suffer from viral fever often? Viral fever in babies can be a cause of concern for most parents. But is viral fever in kids something to worry about, or are you simply losing your sleep to your preconceived notions and myths about it?

A healthy and happy baby represents a healthy and hearty household. By saying that we are, in no way, putting down babies with health issues. We aim to explore viral fever in babies, its duration, symptoms in kids, and various treatments available.

While viral fever in babies is usually not serious, it, like any other disease, should still be taken seriously. Viral fever in kids could mean your ward is infected with a virus. With so many viruses marking their prevalence today, it is best to resort to a doctor instead of taking chances with your baby’s health.

A viral infection in your child indicates the susceptibility of his immune system to viruses. A viral fever is a symptom of this weakness and occurs when the human body fights these antigens. The parents of a sick baby or child should immediately get him examined by an experienced paediatrician.

Most paediatricians say a child has a fever when his body temperature is above 100 degrees. The temperature could also soar up to 104 degrees for some children. Viral fever duration in child varies as per the child and the nature of the virus that he contracts.

Viral fever has its own approach to healing, with some disintegrating on their own. As per paediatricians, your child contracting viral fever also points to the health of his immune system. That is in no way an excuse to ignore it. A good parent always keeps a tab on his child’s health.

HOW LONG DOES A VIRAL FEVER LAST?

Viral fever duration in child aged three months and older is usually two to three days. In most cases, the fever subsides after 72 hours. If the fever intensifies or does not abate within this duration, parents should consult a doctor.

CAN VIRAL FEVER STAY FOR 5 DAYS?

It, indeed, can, and can also persist for a fortnight.

IS IT NORMAL FOR A CHILD TO HAVE A FEVER FOR 5 DAYS?

Yes, it is, but only if it is a mild fever. Consult a doctor if the temperature soars higher or refuses to abate.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CHILD HAS VIRAL FEVER?

Diagnosing the prevalence of viral fever in babies depends on the kind of symptoms they exhibit. Viral fever symptoms in kids include

Headache
Fever and chills
Weakness
Loss of appetite
Body ache
Sweating
Dehydration

Other viral fever symptoms in kids may also include

Nausea
Runny or blocked nose
Red eyes
Sore throat

Viral fever symptoms in kids could also include sneezing or coughing, rashes on the body that turn white when pressed, and lethargy.

DOES VIRAL FEVER IN KIDS NEED ANTIBIOTICS?

As far as viral fever treatment in kids is concerned, doctors do not recommend giving antibiotics. Antibiotics are meant to treat bacterial infections and do not kill viruses. Antibiotics can induce more harm than the virus by causing side effects that could harm children’s health. Therefore, children’s viral fever treatment should include safe practices such as ensuring that they rest properly and stay adequately hydrated, besides administering cool compresses to curtail the fever. However, fever-reducing medications, including ibuprofen and acetaminophen, may be administered to treat viral fever in babies on the advice of a doctor.