Should an 8-month-old baby with a 38°C fever be treated?
Feb 09, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ma Yan
Introduction
Fever refers to an elevated body temperature. 38 degrees means 38°C, so a fever of 38 degrees indicates a body temperature of 38°C. For an eight-month-old infant with a fever of 38°C, special treatment is generally not required. You may initially avoid using antipyretic medications and instead apply physical cooling methods; medication can be used if necessary. If the infant shows any signs of discomfort or other symptoms, it is important to seek timely medical evaluation at a正规 hospital.
Fever refers to an elevated body temperature. "38 degrees" means 38°C, so a fever of 38 degrees indicates a body temperature of 38°C. For an eight-month-old infant with a fever of 38°C, special treatment is generally not required. Antipyretic medications may be avoided initially, and physical cooling methods can be used first, with medication administered if necessary.
1. Physical Cooling
An eight-month-old infant with a body temperature of 38°C has a low-grade fever. This may be caused by a common cold. Because of the infant's young age, physical cooling methods are preferred when the fever is mild. A cool towel can be placed on the baby's forehead, and warm towels can be used to gently wipe the neck, armpits, groin, popliteal fossa, and limbs repeatedly. A lukewarm bath may also help reduce the fever. The infant should drink plenty of warm water, wear loose clothing, and stay in a room with a moderate temperature that is not too high.
2. Medication
A fever of 38°C in an eight-month-old infant may also result from a viral infection such as viral cold. If viruses are present in the body, antiviral medications such as Ribavirin granules or Acyclovir tablets may be used under a doctor's guidance. Traditional Chinese medicines like Honeysuckle Oral Liquid or Pudilan Oral Liquid may also be used as supplementary treatments.
If any discomfort or symptoms occur, it is important to seek timely medical evaluation at a正规 hospital.
