Our children falling ill is one of the things that parents most dreaded, especially if they have fever for no apparent reason. It makes us feel bewildered. Actually, fever itself is one of the ways the body fights infection. However, in some cases, fever can also be a sign of a serious condition in your child. You may want to note several conditions when fever are signs of something that may be serious, and that you need to have your health-care provider see your child.

1. Fever Over 40 Degrees Celsius

High fever when the body temperature is too hot can be fatal for children. For babies less than 3 months old, a fever above 38 degrees Celsius can be a bad sign.

For older children, a fever with body temperature higher than 40 degrees Celsius can have bad impact for their future condition. Take your child immediately to health-care provider or to Emergency Department (ER) when they are experiencing high fever.

2. Fever that Lasts More than 3 Days or Recurring Fever

A fever that does not go down can be a bad sign for it can be a symptom of some serious illness such as dengue fever, typhoid fever, or malaria. Take your child to your health-care provider immediately to be examined if they have a fever for more than 3 days. Your physician may perform blood tests if they observe specific symptoms of certain condition or diseases in your child.

3. Child Shows Symptom of Seizure

Fever followed by seizures can also be a symptom for a quite serious condition. Make sure you immediately take your child to the ER when your child has a seizure and has a high fever. Also understand that there are seizures that are purely caused by fever. Usually this seizure is accompanied by a fever with a temperature above 38 degrees Celsius. Generally, these febrile seizures occur in children aged 6 months to 5 years.

4. Your little one refuses any food or drink

When having fever, it's normal for your child to lose their appetite. However, if this happens continuously, it may worsen your child’s condition. Make sure they get enough water and food intake to meet their body's fluid needs. Fluid is important in gradually lowering body temperature.

5. Children Lose Consciousness

If your child loses consciousness, make sure to immediately take them to the ER. This condition usually is a continuation of not enough intake due to loss of appetite. High fever accompanied by dehydration can easily make a child lose consciousness.

Those are some signs to prompt you to take your little ones to the doctor immediately when they are having a fever. However, it would be nice if you could prevent a fever from getting worse by doing first aid when your child is having a fever, such as providing enough drinking water, having them wear cool clothes that absorb sweat, and giving a fever-reducing medication containing paracetamol.

Reference:

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/fever/Pages/Fever-Without-Fear.aspx