If you have a young child in your life, you are likely quite used to frequent coughs, colds, and fevers in your household. Kids are often more likely to get these types of sicknesses than adults because their immune systems aren’t fully developed, they frequently put their hands in their mouths, and daycares and schools are often filled with germs.
Fevers are particularly concerning to parents and caregivers because of how they affect a child’s entire body and are commonly accompanied by other symptoms too. Here are some tips for addressing fevers in children and natural solutions for fever treatment.
When Fevers Are a Problem
Viruses and bacteria can cause fevers in children and also lead to sore throats, cough, fatigue, and other symptoms. Doctors generally recommend taking a child’s temperature rectally between birth and three months, rectally or in the armpit for children aged three months to four years, and under the tongue for children aged four and above.
If a child is under three months old and has a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, it is time to see a doctor. Children age three months and older should see a doctor if their temperature is 102 degrees or more. Other signs to seek medical attention are dark rashes on the skin, extreme sleepiness or irritability, severe pain, or if the child is already taking a medication that reduces the inability to fight infections. Fevers should not last for more than two or three days, so if a fever lingers this long, call your pediatrician for advice.
The Benefits of Fevers
Many fevers aren’t actually dangerous for children and do not require medical treatment. Fevers are the body’s natural way of fighting infection, and they are necessary for the body to maintain overall functioning. Getting a fever is actually a sign that the body is generally healthy and able to fight and overcome infections. Without the ability to get fevers, the body could succumb to infections and not be able to recover quickly and effectively.
Natural Treatment for Fevers in Kids
The best treatment for a fever is simple rest, so keep a feverish child still, calm, and comfortable in bed or on the couch. Keep your child dressed in light clothing that does not trap body heat, and encourage your child to drink lots of water. Juice, soup, and popsicles are also good options for kids with fevers. Try giving your child a lukewarm (but not cold) bath to provide fever relief, and monitor the fever every few hours with a reliable thermometer.
Holistic remedies for childhood fevers include herbal teas, a cold compress applied to the forehead, milk with turmeric added to it, and herbal remedies like moringa and kudzu root. You might also try Seagate’s Liquid Olive Leaf Extract for Kids to provide protection against resistant strains of microorganisms when your child is feeling unwell or for prevention.