Is a temperature of 37.7°C considered a fever in a child, and how should it be managed?
Mar 27, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ma Yan
Introduction
Fever usually refers to an elevated body temperature. A temperature of 37.7°C in children is generally considered feverish. Physical cooling methods can be used first to help reduce body temperature. At the same time, treatment should target the underlying cause. For example, if the fever is caused by a viral infection, antiviral medications may be taken as directed by a physician to inhibit viral replication and relieve symptoms. If it is due to a bacterial infection, antibacterial drugs can be used to eliminate or suppress bacterial growth and improve symptoms.
Fever usually refers to an elevated body temperature. A temperature of 37.7°C in children is generally considered feverish and can typically be treated by addressing the underlying cause.
Fever is a pathological condition in which, under the influence of pyrogens or due to dysfunction of the body's temperature regulation center, heat production increases while heat dissipation fails to increase accordingly or even decreases. A body temperature exceeding 37.3°C is generally classified as fever; therefore, a temperature of 37.7°C in a child is considered fever.
If a child has a temperature of 37.3°C, physical cooling methods can be used first to help reduce body temperature. This includes timely heat dissipation, maintaining appropriate indoor humidity, ensuring good air circulation, and encouraging increased fluid intake to promote urine output. Additionally, treatment should target the underlying cause. For instance, if the fever is caused by a viral infection, antiviral medications may be used under a doctor's guidance to suppress viral replication and relieve symptoms. Commonly used drugs include ribavirin granules, acyclovir tablets, and ganciclovir tablets. If the cause is bacterial infection, antibacterial medications can be selected to eliminate or inhibit bacterial growth and improve symptoms. Common options include roxithromycin tablets, clarithromycin tablets, and azithromycin tablets.
During treatment, it is generally recommended to maintain a light diet, get adequate rest, and avoid spicy or irritating foods to prevent interference with recovery.
