Is it dangerous if a 1-year-old baby has a fever of 39°C for an entire night?
Dec 09, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ma Yan
Introduction
Fever refers to an elevated body temperature. When a 1-year-old baby has a fever of 39°C at night, it is considered a high fever. The severity depends on the specific condition of the child and cannot be generalized. Additionally, a 39°C fever in a 1-year-old indicates the body is in a state of high temperature, requiring prompt measures to reduce the fever. This helps prevent prolonged high fever overnight, which may increase the risk of developing conditions such as encephalitis or pneumonia.
Fever refers to an elevated body temperature, and a reading of 39 degrees indicates 39°C. A temperature of 39°C in a one-year-old infant is considered high fever. Whether it is serious depends on the specific condition of the baby and cannot be generalized.
If a one-year-old baby has a temperature of 39°C due to simple fever without complications such as seizures or severe dehydration, it usually does not cause significant harm or adverse effects. However, if the high fever of 39°C leads to prolonged febrile seizures, it may result in irreversible damage to brain tissue and potentially affect intellectual development. Additionally, severe dehydration may harm vital organs and, in extreme cases, pose life-threatening risks. When a one-year-old has a fever, physical cooling methods can be used, such as applying fever-reducing patches or wiping the body with lukewarm water. For infants whose fever persists or whose temperature continues to rise, prompt medical evaluation is recommended. Relevant examinations should be completed, and antipyretic medications—such as ibuprofen suspension or acetaminophen suspension drops—should be administered under a doctor's guidance.
Moreover, a temperature of 39°C in a one-year-old indicates a state of high fever, requiring active measures to reduce body temperature. This helps prevent prolonged high fever overnight, which could increase the risk of conditions such as encephalitis or pneumonia, thereby negatively affecting the child's growth, development, and overall health.
