Entering winter, with a sudden drop in temperature and some children experiencing fever symptoms, parents often feel very nervous and anxious. How should children deal with fever? The reporter interviewed Peng Hua, Deputy Director and Chief Physician of Pediatrics at Tongji Medical College Affiliated Union Hospital of Huazhong University of Science and Technology. Peng Hua introduced that moderate fever is beneficial to the body and is a physiological defense mechanism exhibited by the body against pathogens. Every time a child falls ill, it is a process of confrontation between the pathogen and the body. After the child recovers, the body will produce pathogen related antibodies, gradually enhancing the immune system. So, there's no need to be too nervous. To determine if a child has a fever, Peng Hua recommends using an electronic thermometer for underarm measurement. 37.5 to 38.0 degrees Celsius is low heat, 38.1 to 38.9 degrees Celsius is moderate heat, 39.0 to 40.9 degrees Celsius is high heat, and 41 degrees Celsius or above is ultra-high heat. Usually, body temperature is measured every half an hour to one hour during high fever, and the frequency of temperature measurement needs to be increased during ultra-high fever. It is recommended to take a test every 2 to 4 hours when the child has a moderate to low fever, stable body temperature, and good mental state. If a child's temperature or condition changes are found, their temperature should be measured and recorded at any time. Having a clear understanding of changes in a child's condition is of great help to doctors in assessing their condition. What are the reasons that can easily cause children to have a fever? It can be divided into infectious and non infectious types, among which infectious fever is more common, with viral and bacterial infections being the most common. Due to the significant seasonal patterns of pathogens, parents can take preventive measures according to the seasons. For example, dry weather in winter and spring is prone to virus transmission in the air, which is a high-risk period for respiratory diseases in children. This can be prevented by wearing masks when going out and reducing visits to crowded places. Summer and autumn are seasons with high temperatures and humidity, making them high-risk for the transmission of intestinal viruses. This can be prevented by encouraging children to pay attention to hand hygiene and avoid going to public playgrounds. How to deal with a fever in a child? Peng Hua said that the process of fever can be divided into three stages: temperature rise period, fever duration period, and fever reduction period. The period of rising body temperature is often characterized by chills, shivering, and even pale skin. At this time, it is advisable to maintain an indoor temperature of 18 to 20 degrees Celsius and avoid direct air flow; Add clothes or covers appropriately, pay attention to keeping warm and avoid wrapping too tightly or too thick; Parents can rub their children's hands and feet to promote blood circulation; Wipe with warm water instead of alcohol. During the duration of fever, the child's skin is flushed and burning, and their breathing and pulse are accelerated. They should drink more warm water and pay attention to heat dissipation. During the cooling off period, children sweat heavily and their skin temperature gradually decreases. It is necessary to replenish warm water or electrolyte solution in a timely manner. If the body temperature drops sharply, clothing can be used to keep warm. How to take antipyretic medicine? If the fever does not affect the child's daily routine, play, diet, and mental state, there is no need to urgently give the child antipyretic medication. When the body temperature of children over 2 months old is greater than or equal to 38.2 degrees Celsius and accompanied by obvious discomfort, medication can be taken to reduce fever, and acetaminophen is recommended; For children over 6 months old, acetaminophen or ibuprofen are recommended as antipyretic drugs; Children under 2 months of age should not use any antipyretic or analgesic drugs for fever reduction. It is not recommended to alternate the use of acetaminophen and ibuprofen for fever reduction. The interval between taking antipyretic medication should be 4 to 6 hours. Children with fever do not necessarily need to go to the hospital. If it is manifested as a simple increase in body temperature, normal lip color, clear consciousness, strong crying, good mental response after fever subsides, and no other accompanying symptoms, it can be observed at home. At the same time, physical methods such as drinking more water, taking warm baths, and reducing clothing can be used to reduce fever. If necessary, oral antipyretic drugs can be taken. But if there are other symptoms such as inability to eat or drink, pale complexion, persistent high fever, convulsions, etc., seek medical attention as soon as possible. (New Society)