What should I do if a 5-month-old baby has recurring fevers?

Fever generally refers to elevated body temperature. The management of recurrent fever in a 5-month-old baby depends on the underlying cause, with common causes including cold air exposure, tonsillitis, pneumonia, chronic simple pharyngitis, and upper respiratory tract infections.

1. Cold Air Exposure

A 5-month-old baby has a relatively weak immune system, and repeated exposure to cold air can disrupt the function of the body's temperature regulation center, leading to recurrent fever. It is important to keep the baby warm. Physical cooling methods such as wiping with a warm towel or applying a fever-reducing patch can be used. If body temperature exceeds 38.5°C, medications such as ibuprofen suspension, acetaminophen extended-release tablets, or ibuprofen granules may be administered as directed by a physician to reduce fever.

2. Tonsillitis

Due to an immature immune system, babies are prone to repeated infections, which may lead to recurrent tonsillitis and the aforementioned symptoms, possibly accompanied by a sensation of a foreign body in the throat. Treatment under medical guidance may include cephalosporin antibiotics such as cefalexin granules, cefuroxime axetil granules, or cefaclor suspension, which help eliminate inflammation and kill bacteria.

3. Pneumonia

Because the immune system is not yet fully developed, infants are susceptible to respiratory infections that can trigger pulmonary inflammatory responses, causing the symptoms described above and possibly accompanied by drowsiness. Under a doctor’s recommendation, treatment may involve macrolide antibiotics such as roxithromycin granules, azithromycin granules, or clarithromycin granules, which have antibacterial effects.

4. Chronic Simple Pharyngitis

Chronic inflammation in the throat may lead to recurrent episodes of the aforementioned condition, sometimes accompanied by symptoms such as a burning sensation in the throat. As directed by a physician, medications such as amoxicillin capsules, cefixime capsules, or watermelon frost lozenges may be used for treatment.

5. Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

Viral infections affecting the upper respiratory tract may interfere with the body's temperature regulation center, resulting in fever and possibly associated symptoms like fatigue. Antiviral medications prescribed by a doctor—such as ribavirin granules, pediatric paracetamol-phenyl decongestant granules, or acyclovir tablets—may be used to inhibit viral replication.

It is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation to determine the exact cause and receive appropriate treatment under professional guidance. Additionally, proper daily care should be maintained to reduce the risk of infections.