What should I do if a child has a cold and fever?

Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
Updated on September 11, 2024
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Children's colds and fevers are caused by viral or bacterial infections, with the vast majority being viral infections. First, we need to ensure that the child is well-hydrated and also manage the symptoms. When the body temperature exceeds 38.5 degrees Celsius, administer antipyretic medication to the child, such as ibuprofen suspension or acetaminophen. The interval between doses of these medications should be at least six hours. Additionally, give the child cold relief granules to alleviate the symptoms of the cold. When the body temperature is below 38.5 degrees Celsius, physical cooling methods can be applied, such as using fever-reducing patches, taking lukewarm baths, or wiping the forehead, neck, armpits, and groin—areas where large blood vessels are located—with a warm towel. Throughout the process, it is very important to keep the child hydrated. If the child's cold and fever persist, a complete blood count should be performed to check for a bacterial infection. If a bacterial infection is present, treatment with antibiotics should be administered under the guidance of a hospital doctor, based on the child’s condition. Controlling the infection is essential for reducing the fever and bringing the child's temperature down, ultimately helping the child return to normal.

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Written by Zeng Hai Jiang
Pediatrics
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Will children with colds have recurrent low-grade fever?

Children with a cold may experience recurrent low fevers. In children, colds are generally caused by viral infections, such as rhinoviruses, common coronaviruses, etc. The symptoms include fever, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, etc., and the duration of the illness is mostly three to five days, usually not exceeding a week. Therefore, during the course of the illness, the symptoms of a cold may recur. During the illness, fever-reducing measures are taken, such as physical cooling and medication. However, after the fever subsides, it may recur, which is a normal phenomenon.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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What should I do if a child has a cold with a persistent high fever?

For a minor cold accompanied by persistent high fever, firstly, it is essential to monitor body temperature. If the fever continues, the initial step should be to reduce the fever, which can be done by taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen orally every 4 to 6 hours as required. Additionally, physical cooling methods such as tepid sponge baths, warm baths, and drinking warm water can also be used. If the fever persists or recurs, it's crucial to visit a hospital for routine blood tests and C-reactive protein assessments to evaluate the condition and determine whether it is caused by a bacterial or viral infection. If a bacterial infection is suspected, sensitive antibiotics should be used to treat the infection. If a viral infection is considered to be the cause of the ongoing fever, treatment should primarily focus on fever reduction. Attention should also be paid to mental responses and changes in body temperature.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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How can a child recover quickly from a cold?

Children's colds are mostly viral infections, and viral infections can heal themselves. Therefore, when a child catches a cold, we should first let the child rest plenty, drink lots of water, and ensure they get enough sleep. If the child has noticeable cold symptoms, you can give them cold granules for symptomatic treatment of the cold. Also, maintain indoor air humidity, and keep the home temperature appropriate, generally between 18-23℃, with about 60% humidity. Under these conditions, a child's cold can recover quickly. Do not let children in contact with adults who have a cold during their cold period, do not let children play outside, and certainly do not allow children to engage in strenuous activities. (Please follow your doctor's medical advice regarding medicines.)

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Written by Quan Xiang Mei
Pediatrics
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How to treat a child's cold and cough?

For upper respiratory infections in children causing colds and coughs, the treatment approach should vary based on the child's age, as well as the severity and duration of the illness. For mild cases with less severe symptoms, treatment can be administered at home including frequent hydration, drinking plenty of water, and symptomatic oral administration of expectorants and cough suppressants. If the child's cold and cough symptoms are more severe, with significant coughing and phlegm, and are even affecting the child's sleep, it is typically recommended for parents to take their child to the hospital for blood tests. These tests may include a complete blood count, Mycoplasma testing, or a C-reactive protein test, to identify the specific cause of the cold and cough, and to enable targeted treatment. (Note: The use of medication should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Quan Xiang Mei
Pediatrics
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Is it good for children to sweat while sleeping when they have a cold?

If a child sweats while sleeping during a cold, it is generally not a cause for concern. First, children usually do not have a fever when they sweat during sleep at night. Therefore, when there is a fever, sweating usually does not occur. Parents only need to pay attention to promptly changing sweat-dampened clothes and avoiding getting chilled after sweating. The second situation of sweating during a cold in children may indicate that the body has become relatively weak, or that the cold has led to phenomena such as calcium deficiency or an exacerbation of insufficient vitamin D in daily life. In such cases, where night sweating occurs, parents should promptly provide appropriate supplements of trace elements like calcium and vitamin D based on the child’s symptoms. They should also ensure a balanced and reasonable diet and sufficient sleep to aid the recovery from the illness.