How to manage a 2-year-old child with a fever of 38.2°C

A 2-year-old child with a fever of 38.2°C may have developed the fever due to respiratory tract infections or other causes. Management may include dietary adjustments, physical cooling, and medication.

1. Dietary adjustment: During the child's fever, avoid giving hard-to-digest foods. Offer liquid or semi-liquid diets to reduce gastrointestinal burden.

2. Physical cooling: For a 2-year-old child with a body temperature of 38.2°C—below 38.5°C—physical cooling methods are recommended. These include giving a lukewarm bath or using a towel to wipe the child’s palms, soles, armpits, and other areas, which helps lower body temperature. Additionally, encourage increased fluid intake to promote metabolism.

3. Medication: If the child's temperature continues to rise above 38.5°C, this indicates a high fever. In such cases, administer oral antipyretic medication under medical guidance, such as ibuprofen granules or acetaminophen granules, to prevent complications like febrile seizures caused by excessively high body temperature.

In addition to the above measures, ensure proper indoor ventilation, change clothes regularly, and maintain cleanliness and disinfection.