What should I do if an 8-year-old child has a high fever over 39°C that won't go down?

A high fever of over 39°C generally refers to a body temperature significantly above normal. For an 8-year-old child with persistent high fever above 39°C that does not subside, treatment methods may vary depending on the underlying cause. Common causes include influenza, mumps, and pneumonia.

1. Influenza

If caused by influenza, the virus enters the body and releases inflammatory mediators, resulting in fever. Under medical guidance, antiviral medications such as oseltamivir phosphate granules, peramivir injection, or zanamivir inhalation powder may be used for treatment.

2. Mumps

If caused by mumps, inflammation stimulates the body's temperature regulation center. As directed by a physician, antiviral drugs such as ribavirin granules, recombinant human interferon α2b injection, or acyclovir capsules may be prescribed for treatment.

3. Pneumonia

If pneumonia leads to dysfunction of the temperature regulation center, treatment under medical supervision may include antibiotics such as azithromycin tablets, roxithromycin capsules, or lincomycin hydrochloride capsules. Additionally, antipyretic medications like paracetamol (acetaminophen) sustained-release tablets, ibuprofen suspension, or ibuprofen granules can be used to reduce fever.

In addition, encephalitis could also be a possible cause, and medical treatment should be followed accordingly.