Fever is the rise of human body temperature as a protective response to an infection, inflammation, or injury. In infants aging six months to three years of age, fever is usually caused by transmitted infections either viral or bacterial, which they may have obtained from other people who came in contact with them.
Studies actually reveal that infants who belong in the age bracket of six months to three years and studying in a day care school are expected to get an infection every two or three weeks.
The most prevalent danger encountered by an infant is to have a seizure because of the fever.
Treatment For Infants With Fever
In treating infant with fever at home, do not forget to ask first a doctor before treating if you have doubts about what to do, or if the baby is just 8 weeks or younger.
Here are some of the most common remedies for infants with fever:
- Acetaminophen: This includes Tylenol, Tempra, and any other brands and comes in different forms like drops, syrup, chewable, and swallowable pills.This medication can be given according to the directions found in the package. But then again, when in doubt regarding your infant’s correct dosage of Tylanol or any other medicine, it is always advised to call a doctor for prescription.
- A combination of Tylenol and the ibuprofen, Motrin: When having difficulty in bringing the infant’s temperature down with Tylanol alone, a combination of Tylenol and Motrin may be found effective as published in Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine (vol. 160, pages 197-202) in February, 2006. Before starting the medicine, ask the doctor if the combination of medicine is right for your child and the proper dosage that should be given.
- Lukewarm bath: This is considered to be the traditional way of treating fever in infants and even in adults, which still works quite well. However, it is to be noted that the water must be lukewarm because if water is too cold, the child’s body will reduce blood flow to the skin making the temperature go higher.
- Never use aspirin unless the doctor prescribes it. This may cause serious liver disease.