How to manage fever in an 8-month-old baby with an axillary temperature of 38.6°C

Dec 02, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Ma Yan

Introduction

An 8-month-old baby with a fever has an axillary temperature of 38.6°C. Physical cooling, antipyretic medications, and anti-infective treatments can usually be used to help reduce the body temperature. Ensure the baby receives adequate fluid intake to maintain hydration. Offer warm water, breast milk, or bottle feeding to maintain fluid balance. Avoid forcing the baby to drink, but always ensure sufficient fluids are available to prevent dehydration.

A baby of 8 months old has a fever, with an axillary temperature of 38.6°C. Physical cooling, medication, and anti-infective treatments are usually recommended to help reduce body temperature.

1. Drink plenty of warm water

Ensure the baby is well hydrated by providing sufficient fluids. Warm water, breastfeeding, or bottle-feeding can help maintain fluid balance. Avoid forcing the baby to drink, but always ensure adequate fluid availability to prevent dehydration.

2. Cold compress

Gently pat or wipe the baby's forehead, neck, and armpits with a cool damp cloth or ice pack to help lower body temperature. Avoid prolonged cold application to prevent discomfort. Make sure the cloth or ice pack is not too cold to avoid skin injury.

3. Foot soak

Soaking the baby’s feet in warm water may help dissipate heat and reduce body temperature. Ensure the water temperature is moderate—not too hot. Always supervise closely during foot soaking to ensure the baby’s safety.

4. Medication

If the above measures do not effectively reduce the fever, antipyretic medications such as ibuprofen suspension or acetaminophen (paracetamol) suspension drops may be administered under medical guidance.

5. Anti-infective treatment

Fever may be related to infection. Parents are advised to take the baby to the hospital for tests such as complete blood count and infection markers. If the fever is caused by bacterial infection, antibiotics such as cefradine for injection or cefazolin sodium for injection may be prescribed under medical supervision.

During this period, parents must regularly monitor the baby’s body temperature and closely observe vital signs such as breathing and pulse.

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