Can I use an air conditioner for a child with a fever?

Sep 04, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng

Introduction

In general, whether a child with fever can use air conditioning depends on the ambient temperature, the child's body temperature, and their mental status. If the indoor temperature is high and stuffy, the child's body temperature is below 38.5°C, and their mental status is good, air conditioning can generally be used. However, if the indoor temperature is already comfortable, or if the child's temperature exceeds 38.5°C and they appear lethargic, using air conditioning is not recommended.

Generally speaking, whether a child with a fever can use an air conditioner depends on the ambient temperature, the child's body temperature, and their mental state. If the indoor environment is hot and stuffy, the child's temperature is below 38.5℃, and their mental state is good, using an air conditioner is usually acceptable. However, if the indoor temperature is already comfortable, or if the child's temperature exceeds 38.5℃ and they appear listless or drowsy, it is generally not recommended to use an air conditioner. Detailed explanations are as follows:

When the indoor temperature is high and the air is stifling, a child with a fever may easily become sweaty and irritable. In such cases, using an air conditioner to maintain a room temperature between 24-26℃ can help lower the ambient temperature, promote heat dissipation from the body, and relieve discomfort. When using the air conditioner, care should be taken to avoid directing the airflow straight at the child; instead, adjust the vent to blow air upward.

If the indoor temperature is already comfortable, there is no need to use an air conditioner to maintain a pleasant environment. Using it unnecessarily may cause the temperature to drop too low, increasing the risk of the child catching a chill. If the child has a high fever and appears unwell, listless, or sleepy, using an air conditioner will not directly help reduce the fever and may place additional stress on the body due to temperature fluctuations.

During a child's fever, daily care should involve appropriately adjusting the indoor environment and deciding whether to use an air conditioner or fan based on temperature changes. Encourage the child to drink plenty of warm water to stay hydrated, ensure adequate rest, and avoid strenuous activities.

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How to reduce a child's fever of 39°C as quickly as possible

A child's fever of 39°C may be caused by post-vaccination reactions, high environmental temperature, upper respiratory tract infection, infantile emergency rash, bacterial tonsillitis, or other reasons. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and then rapidly reduce the fever through physical cooling methods, medication, or other treatments under a doctor's guidance. Additionally, the child's body temperature should be closely monitored daily, with measurements taken every 1–2 hours.

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How to reduce a child's fever of 39°C as quickly as possible

In general, a child's fever of 39°C may be caused by factors such as high ambient temperature, excessive clothing, influenza, tonsillitis, acute gastroenteritis, and other reasons. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and then proceed with general treatment, medication, or other methods under a doctor's guidance to reduce the fever quickly. During daily care, the child's body temperature should be closely monitored and recorded every 1–2 hours.

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How to reduce a child's fever of 38°C as quickly as possible

Fever refers to an elevated body temperature. A child's fever reaching 38°C may be caused by a hot and stuffy environment, vigorous activity, common cold, acute tonsillitis, infantile emergency rash (roseola), or other factors. The fever can usually be reduced through environmental adjustments, physical cooling methods, and medication. If abnormalities occur, prompt medical attention is recommended. When a child remains in a closed, high-temperature environment, the body may struggle to dissipate heat effectively, leading to an increase in body temperature up to 38°C.

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How many degrees indicate a fever in children?

In general, determining whether a child has a fever depends on the body site used for temperature measurement. Common methods include measuring under the armpit (axillary) and in the mouth (oral), and the criteria for fever vary according to the measurement site. When taking the temperature, avoid doing so immediately after the child has exercised, eaten, or cried. Wait until the child has been calm for 30 minutes to reduce measurement errors.