What should I do if my 6-month-old baby has a fever of 39.5°C?

A 6-month-old baby with a fever of 39.5°C can be managed using different approaches depending on the underlying cause, with common causes including bacterial infection, viral infection, and mycoplasma infection.

1. Bacterial Infection

If the fever results from a bacterial infection causing dysfunction in the body's temperature regulation center and a continuous rise in body temperature, antibiotics such as amoxicillin capsules, ampicillin capsules, or sodium oxacillin capsules may be used under medical guidance.

2. Viral Infection

If the fever is due to a viral infection leading to an upward shift in the thermoregulatory set point of the hypothalamus, antiviral medications such as acyclovir capsules, ganciclovir dispersible tablets, or valacyclovir hydrochloride tablets may be administered as directed by a physician.

3. Mycoplasma Infection

If the fever arises from mycoplasma-induced lung infection stimulating cells to produce pyrogenic substances, medications such as cefaclor granules, azithromycin dry suspension, or roxithromycin tablets may be prescribed under medical supervision.

In addition, antipyretics should also be used under a doctor’s guidance. Commonly used medications include acetaminophen oral solution, ibuprofen suspension, and ibuprofen granules. Furthermore, conditions such as novel coronavirus infection may also cause high fever; therefore, treatment should follow medical advice.