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Symptom Guide: Fever

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FEVER AS A SYMPTOM

WHAT IT COULD BE

WHAT TO DO

Sudden fever plus severe cold symptoms (runny nose and cough),diarrhoea, vomiting, poor appetite, irritability. Typical during flu season

Flu viruses are airborne. Being in close contact with someone with flu who is sneezing and coughing can make baby sick too.

Ensure your baby gets plenty of rest and liquids. Ask your doctor for pain relief medications. Never give aspirin, it could result in potentially fatal Reye’s syndrome. If your baby has fever for longer than 3 days call your doctor immediately.

Fever, fretful, crying, pulls at ear,vomiting, diarrhoea, poor appetite.In rare cases yellow or whitish fluid drains from ear. Common after a cold.

Ear infections are caused by bacteria or a virus. When fluid collects in the Eustachian tube, as in the case of a cold, an inflammation of the eardrum can result. The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat.

Minimise the risk of ear infections by breastfeeding for at least six months so your baby can build up antibodies against infections and don’t expose your child to tobacco smoke. It’s best to see your doctor for treatment.

Fever with small red blisters inside the mouth or lips, excessive drooling bleeding gums, refusal to eat or drink, possibly dehydrated.

Gingivostomatitis is a viral condition affecting the mouth with the virus carried by most people. It can be mild to severe. A high fever may result as well as tender and swollen lymph nodes on the sides of her neck.

Keep your baby well hydrated and give her mushy foods to eat that don’t need chewing owing to mouth sores. It’s best to seek medical attention.

Fever between 38.3ºC to 40.5ºC for two to five days. A raised pink rash on body, often affects children between 6 months and 3 years.

Roseola is a type of herpes virus and, like most viral illnesses, will run its course. It is a contagious illness spread via coughs, sneezes and saliva.

Your baby needs rest and plenty of liquids. Your doctor can advise on reducing the fever. Reduce the spread of Roseola by washing hands often and keeping your baby away from others when he is ill.

A low fever with deep barking cough,difficult breathing, high-pitched sound on inhalation, cold symptoms. Most common under 5 years of age.

Swelling of the larynx (voice box) and trachea (windpipe) is known as Croup. It affects children aged 6 months to 3 years. It is caused by bacteria, inhaled irritants, allergies or often by a virus.

Consult with a doctor to understand the cause of croup and the best treatment. Necessary vaccines for measles, Haemophilus influenzae (Hib), and diphtheria protect children against some serious forms of croup.

Fever, irritability, urine is cloudy, bloody, or smells bad. Sometimes vomiting or diarrhoea.

When bacteria enters the urine from the skin around the genitals or bloodstream it can cause an inflammation of the urinary tract. Children under 2 years must be treated for urinary tract infections urgently or risk kidney damage.

Give baby plenty of liquids, introduce fruit, veggies and whole grains, to prevent constipation; breastfeed until at least 7 months old and if your baby is a girl, always wipe her bottom from front to back to avoid spreading germs.

A cold that seems to be getting worse, fever, chills. May also have wheezing.

Pneumonia refers to an infection in the lungs. It can be categorised as viral or bacterial. New babies can develop pneumonia from the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

Doctors will prescribe an antibiotic for a bacterial infection. Viral pneumonia will call for rest and increased fluid intake as it doesn’t respond to antibiotics.

Fever, vomiting accompanied by diarrhoea, poor appetite.

Gastroenteritis or stomach flu refers to the inflamed lining of the stomach and intestines. It is usually caused by a bacterial infection.

Get medical treatment immediately. Keep your baby well hydrated. Ask your doctor about an electrolyte solution to replace lost fluids, minerals and salts. Stay away from juices and sodas as it can make things worse.

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