my five months old has high fever what should I do

Question

Accepted Answer

If your 5-month-old baby has a high fever, it’s important to take appropriate steps to manage the fever and ensure their well-being. Here’s what you can do:

### **1. **Check the Temperature:****
   - **Accurate Measurement**: Use a digital thermometer to accurately measure your baby’s temperature. A fever is generally considered to be a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.

### **2. **Monitor Symptoms:****
   - **Observe**: Keep track of any additional symptoms such as rash, vomiting, diarrhea, or irritability. This information can help your pediatrician diagnose the cause of the fever.

### **3. **Keep Your Baby Comfortable:****
   - **Dress Lightly**: Dress your baby in lightweight clothing and use a light blanket to prevent overheating.
   - **Room Temperature**: Keep the room at a comfortable temperature, not too hot or too cold.

### **4. **Hydration:****
   - **Offer Fluids**: Ensure your baby is staying well-hydrated by offering breast milk or formula frequently. Dehydration can occur with fever.

### **5. **Use Fever-Reducing Medications:****
   - **Infant Acetaminophen**: If your pediatrician approves, you can give infant acetaminophen (Tylenol) to help reduce the fever. Follow the dosage instructions on the label or as directed by your pediatrician.
   - **Avoid Ibuprofen**: For infants under 6 months, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) is generally not recommended unless specifically advised by your pediatrician.

### **6. **Avoid Certain Practices:****
   - **No Cold Baths**: Avoid using cold baths or ice packs as they can cause discomfort and shivering.
   - **No Aspirin**: Do not give aspirin to children under 18 years due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.

### **7. **Seek Medical Attention:****
   - **Immediate Care**: Contact your pediatrician or seek medical care if:
     - Your baby is under 3 months old with a fever.
     - The fever is very high (above 104°F or 40°C).
     - The fever persists for more than 24-48 hours.
     - Your baby shows signs of dehydration, persistent vomiting, rash, difficulty breathing, or unusual drowsiness or irritability.

### **8. **Follow-Up:****
   - **Pediatrician’s Advice**: Follow any additional instructions or advice provided by your pediatrician based on your baby’s specific situation.

### **Conclusion:**
Managing a high fever in a 5-month-old involves keeping your baby comfortable, ensuring proper hydration, and using appropriate medications as advised by your pediatrician. Always seek professional medical advice if you’re concerned about the fever or your baby’s health.