Fever is one of the most common health issues in children, especially in infants. Many parents become concerned when they notice a child with a temperature of 38 degrees but still playing and engaging in normal activities. Is this phenomenon normal? How should caregivers care for a mildly feverish yet active child?
A child with a temperature of 38 degrees but still playing: understanding the body’s natural response
- Fever is a sign that the child’s body is fighting against pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. The body’s temperature rises to create an unfavorable environment for these pathogens while stimulating the immune system to function more effectively.
- Children, especially infants, often have high energy levels and are naturally active. Therefore, even when a child has a temperature of 38 degrees (mild fever), they may still tend to want to play.
- In some cases, moderate physical activity may help the child naturally lower their fever by inducing sweating, a body mechanism for cooling down.
Caring for a mildly feverish yet active child
Parents need not be overly concerned when a child with a temperature of 38 degrees but still playing. Instead, they should implement the following care measures:
- a child with a temperature of 38 degrees but still playing – Monitor closely: Regularly measure the child’s temperature and observe other signs such as appetite, sleep patterns, activity levels, and the presence of rashes.
- a child with a temperature of 38 degrees but still playing – Encourage fluid intake: Provide clean water, fruit juices, and oral rehydration solution (ORS) to prevent dehydration due to fever.
A child with a temperature of 38 degrees but still playing – Encourage fluid intake
- Avoid immobilization: Allow the child to rest when tired but intersperse with gentle, appropriate activities and play according to their health status.
- Provide easily digestible foods: Opt for soft foods such as porridge, soups, and limit oily foods. Avoid forcing the child to eat when they are not hungry.
- Keep cool: Use warm towels to wipe the child’s forehead, neck, armpits, and groin to reduce body temperature.
- a child with a temperature of 38 degrees but still playing – Use fever-reducing medication (if necessary): If the child’s temperature exceeds 38.5 degrees Celsius or they appear uncomfortable, administer paracetamol at the appropriate dosage based on age and weight.
When to seek medical attention for a child with a temperature of 38 degrees but still playing
Most cases of a child with a temperature of 38 degrees but still playing are not overly dangerous. However, parents should take the child to the doctor if the following signs are present:
- High fever above 39 degrees Celsius
- Lethargy, difficulty arousing, refusal to breastfeed or eat
- Persistent, inconsolable crying, irritability
A child with a temperature of 38 degrees but still playing with persistent, inconsolable crying, irritability
- Seizures, rapid abnormal breathing, rash accompanying fever
- Fever lasting more than 3 days
The doctor will conduct an examination, identify the cause of the fever, assess the child’s health status, and recommend appropriate treatment.
Preventing fever in children
To reduce the risk of fever in children, parents should:
- Maintain cleanliness for the child, wash hands frequently, and ensure a clean living environment and toys.
- Ensure the child receives full vaccination as recommended by the Ministry of Health.
- Establish a healthy, nutritious diet to boost the child’s immunity.
- Limit taking the child to crowded places and exposure to sources of illness, especially during outbreaks.
Some questions related to “child with a temperature of 38 degrees but still playing”
Here are 5 questions related to “child with a temperature of 38 degrees but still playing“:
1. Is it dangerous for a child with a mild fever to be active?
Answer: Although a temperature of 38 degrees is considered a mild fever, parents need not worry too much if the child is still playing normally. Moderate activity can help the child naturally lower their fever by inducing sweating. However, it’s important to let the child rest when tired and closely monitor other symptoms.
2. Should “a child with a temperature of 38 degrees but still playing” be given fever-reducing medication?
Answer: It is not necessary to give a child with a temperature of 38 degrees fever-reducing medication immediately. First, focus on care measures such as providing fluids and keeping the child cool. Administer fever-reducing medication (paracetamol) if the temperature exceeds 38.5 degrees or if the child is uncomfortable.
3. Is “a child with a temperature of 38 degrees but still playing” a sign of a serious illness?
Answer: In most cases, a child playing with a fever is not a sign of a serious illness. Parents should note that if the child exhibits symptoms such as lethargy, continuous crying, seizures, rash, etc., in addition to the fever, they should take the child to see a doctor immediately.
4. How should a mildly feverish yet active child be cared for?
Answer: The most important thing is to closely monitor the child’s temperature, ensure they are adequately hydrated, and provide opportunities for rest interspersed with gentle activities. Use warm compresses to cool the child and offer easily digestible foods. Only use fever-reducing medication when necessary.
5. How to prevent a child from getting a fever?
Answer: Important preventive measures include maintaining cleanliness for the child and the surrounding environment, ensuring the child is fully vaccinated, boosting immunity with a healthy, vitamin-rich diet, and avoiding crowded places during disease outbreaks.
Some scientific evidence related to “a child with a temperature of 38 degrees but still playing”
Scientific evidence regarding “a child with a temperature of 38 degrees but still playing“:
1. “Fever is a natural response of the body when fighting against pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. When experiencing fever, the body increases the production of white blood cells to combat the pathogens, thus resulting in elevated body temperature.”
2. “A mild fever is when the body temperature of the child ranges from 37.5°C to 38.5°C.”
3. “Children have a good ability to adapt to changes in body temperature. Therefore, children can tolerate higher levels of fever than adults without feeling overly uncomfortable.”
Conclusion
A child with a temperature of 38 degrees but still playing is often a normal body response to illness. Parents should calmly observe, apply care measures for a mildly feverish child, and seek medical attention promptly if any abnormal signs occur.
References:
https://patient.info/signs-symptoms/fever
https://www.healthline.com/health/hyperpyrexia
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fever/symptoms-causes/syc-20352759
Kiểm Duyệt Nội Dung
More than 10 years of marketing communications experience in the medical and health field.
Successfully deployed marketing communication activities, content development and social networking channels for hospital partners, clinics, doctors and medical professionals across the country.
More than 6 years of experience in organizing and producing leading prestigious medical programs in Vietnam, in collaboration with Ho Chi Minh City Television (HTV). Typical programs include Nhật Ký Blouse Trắng, Bác Sĩ Nói Gì, Alo Bác Sĩ Nghe, Nhật Ký Hạnh Phúc, Vui Khỏe Cùng Con, Bác Sỹ Mẹ, v.v.
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