What to do if a nine-month-old baby has a low fever
Low fever refers to mild fever. For a nine-month-old baby with low fever, appropriate treatment should be selected based on the underlying cause. Common causes include physiological factors, as well as pathological conditions such as acute gastroenteritis or viral colds.
I. Physiological Factors
A baby's body temperature is easily influenced by external factors. If the ambient temperature is too high, the baby is overdressed, or has engaged in vigorous activity, the body may produce excess heat, leading to a slightly elevated temperature. If the temperature remains below 37.5°C and no discomfort is present, this is generally considered within the normal range and does not require special treatment.
II. Pathological Factors
1. Acute Gastroenteritis
Inflammation may occur after consuming spoiled, moldy, or raw/cold irritating foods. This inflammatory response can affect the immune system and cause the body's temperature regulation center to increase body temperature. It is recommended to take medications such as cefixime granules or amoxicillin capsules under a doctor’s guidance to control the infection and relieve symptoms.
2. Viral Cold
Babies are in a stage of growth and development and typically have weaker immune systems. After viral infection, the virus can enter the bloodstream and stimulate the body's temperature regulation center, resulting in fever. It is recommended to take antiviral medications such as pediatric paracetamol-phenylpropanolamine granules or ribavirin tablets under medical supervision to control the fever and manage the infection.
In addition, persistent low fever could also be caused by tuberculosis. If symptoms of low fever do not improve over time, prompt medical evaluation is necessary to avoid delayed diagnosis and treatment.