Launching Amidst Chaos: A 70-Hour Battle with My Child’s Fever

The very first change that arrived with the launch of my blog was my child’s ‘growing pains.’ On Wednesday evening, the baby’s temperature suddenly spiked to 38.8°C. They say every child goes through a rough patch around their first birthday, but theory and practice are two different things. Crisis always strikes without warning, and in the most abrupt manner.

When a 12-month-old gets a fever, the first step is to stay calm and check their overall condition. Here is how I navigated those tense 70 hours:

• Observation First: I monitored whether the baby was eating and playing well, and checked for any changes in urine output.
• Home Care Essentials:
  • I kept Tylenol and Ibuprofen ready.
  • I used lukewarm water to wipe the baby’s body. Tip: Never use cold water, as it constricts superficial veins and prevents heat from escaping.
  • I offered more water than usual to keep the baby hydrated.
• Prioritizing Recovery: Even if there was a fever at night, I didn’t wake the baby if they were sleeping peacefully. Rest is often the best medicine.

Since the baby was playing relatively well despite the high fever, I suspected a viral infection—likely Roseola (Exanthema Subitum). To calm my own anxiety, I kept a close eye on specific red flags: red eyes, difficulty swallowing, diarrhea, or any skin changes on the hands and mouth.

Luckily, it was a long weekend, so I could stay right by the baby’s side. After about 70 hours of a fluctuating fever, the baby started smiling again, and a rash began to appear on the torso. It looked itchy, but thankfully, there was no scratching. I concluded it was indeed Roseola and finally caught my breath.

It was my first time dealing with a fever lasting over 24 hours, and it was nerve-wracking. But somehow, we pushed through.

⚠️ A quick reminder for fellow parents: If a baby becomes lethargic, shows a significant decrease in urination, or experiences a seizure, you must head to the hospital immediately.