The Right Way to Handle a Child’s Fever at Home

A fever occurs when a child’s body temperature reaches 38 degrees Celsius or higher. This is generally a sign that the body is fighting an infection, for example one caused by a virus. Use a thermometer to measure temperature accurately, because feeling with your hand is often inaccurate.

When your child has a fever, offer fluids more often, whether breast milk, water, or soup broth, to prevent dehydration. Dress your child in thin, comfortable clothing and let them rest. A warm-water compress can help with comfort, but avoid cold-water or alcohol compresses. Fever-reducing medication should be given as advised by a doctor and adjusted to your child’s body weight.

Take your child to a health facility right away if a baby under three months old has a fever, the fever lasts more than three days, or your child has a seizure, has difficulty breathing, is very weak or hard to wake, refuses to drink, urinates rarely, or develops a purplish rash that does not fade when pressed.

If you are unsure about your little one’s condition, Mom, consult a pediatrician promptly, for example through DokterIN, to get the right guidance.