"Whats the Optimal Temperature Setting for Air Conditioning When a Baby Has a Fever?"

As the temperature changes, babies are prone to colds and other illnesses due to their weaker immune systems. Once a baby has a cold and develops a fever, it is best to use medication to control it. Many parents want to turn on the air conditioner to help reduce their baby's fever, but it is not recommended to keep the indoor temperature too low during this time. So, what is the appropriate temperature to set the air conditioner when a baby has a fever? Can you turn on the air conditioner when a baby has a fever? Yes, but the temperature should be around 27 degrees Celsius, and the air conditioner should not blow directly on the baby. If the baby's fever reaches 38.5 degrees Celsius or higher, immediate medical attention is required without delay. It is important to give the baby plenty of warm water to drink. Generally, when a child's temperature is below 38.5°C, fever-reducing medication is not necessary. Instead, it is best to drink plenty of water and closely monitor the condition or use physical cooling methods. If the temperature exceeds 38.5°C, fever-reducing medication can be given, but only under the guidance of a pediatrician. A cold often accompanies a fever for 2 to 4 days, during which time the body temperature may fluctuate. If the child's mental state is good, and eating and sleeping are normal, parents need not worry too much. However, if the infant or young child cries incessantly, responds poorly, has a high fever that does not subside, or even has convulsions, medical attention should be sought immediately. Most common colds and fevers are caused by viruses and require symptomatic treatment. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs should not be abused. Three key points for caring for a baby with a fever: Many parents panic when they see their child has a fever, fearing that it might damage their brain. In fact, a fever in babies is not necessarily a bad thing. Fever occurs when the body's white blood cells increase rapidly to engulf bacteria after a viral or bacterial invasion, causing increased oxygen consumption. During a fever, the body's immune function is significantly enhanced, which helps eliminate pathogens and promotes recovery from illness. It is a manifestation of the body's resistance to disease and a process of autoantibody formation. Therefore, according to Dr. Xu, when a baby has a fever, the key is to identify the cause of the fever. If it is simply caused by a cold, proper care becomes particularly important. 1. Drink plenty of warm water: For a child with a fever, ensuring adequate water intake is crucial, as fevers consume a lot of water and cause excessive sweating. Insufficient water intake can affect the excretion of toxins from the body, so frequent hydration is necessary. Therefore, encourage the child to drink plenty of warm water during a fever to increase the excretion of metabolic waste and maintain the moisture of the nasal mucosa, which is beneficial for preventing respiratory diseases. However, it must be emphasized that beverages cannot replace plain water. When sweating profusely, slightly increase salt intake. 2. Avoid "covering up" to induce sweating: Some parents believe that dressing and covering a child excessively can induce sweating and reduce their fever. However, this not only fails to reduce the fever but can cause a sudden rise in body temperature, even leading to febrile seizures. Because infants and young children have underdeveloped sweat glands, "covering up" is not effective in inducing sweating. Therefore, children with fever should wear fewer clothes to promote heat dissipation. Wipe away sweat promptly after sweating to avoid catching a cold again. 3. Sponge bath with warm water: Children's skin is thin and delicate, with abundant subcutaneous blood vessels. When they have a fever, physical cooling methods such as sponge baths with warm water and the application of fever-reducing patches can be used. When giving a sponge bath to a child, the water temperature should be around 35°C to 40°C. Sponge the entire body, applying even pressure, and use massage techniques to stimulate passive dilation of blood vessels and promote heat dissipation. Spend more time sponging areas with abundant blood vessels, such as the head, neck, armpits, chest, and groin, to aid in heat dissipation. Sponge the limbs and back for 3-5 minutes each. During the sponge bath, avoid exposing the child to drafts, and wrap the baby in a large towel afterward, encouraging them to drink plenty of warm water.