Fever in Children: Self-Care and When to See a Doctor | Does Your Child Need Medical Care for a Fever During Travel?
■Symptoms
Fever in children is commonly associated with infections such as colds and other viral illnesses. During travel, fever may also occur with symptoms such as cough, runny nose, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and fatigue.
In addition to checking your child’s temperature, it is important to observe whether your child can drink fluids, is urinating normally, responds as usual, and is breathing comfortably.
■Causes
Possible causes include:
- Serious infections that require medical attention, such as pneumonia or meningitis
- Influenza, COVID-19, and other viral infections
- Gastrointestinal infections such as gastroenteritis
- Respiratory infections such as the common cold
- Infections associated with specific travel destinations
If your child develops a fever during or after international travel, information about where you traveled, activities during the trip, and any insect or animal bites may help the doctor determine the possible cause.
■When to Seek Medical Care
Seek Medical Attention Promptly If Your Child:
- Is younger than 3 months and has a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher
- Is unusually drowsy, very lethargic, or does not respond normally
- Has difficulty breathing or has pale or bluish lips or skin
- Has a seizure
- Cannot drink fluids or is urinating significantly less than usual
- Has a rash that does not fade when pressed
- Has a severe headache, stiff neck, or other concerning symptoms
You May Monitor Your Child’s Symptoms If:
- Your child can drink fluids
- Your child is alert and behaving close to normal
- Your child is urinating normally
- Your child is breathing comfortably
Traveling means being in an unfamiliar environment. If the fever persists, symptoms worsen, or you feel that your child is “not acting like usual,” we recommend seeing a doctor as a precaution.
■Self-Care
- Allow your child to get plenty of rest at the hotel.
- Offer small amounts of fluids frequently.
- Avoid overdressing your child and keep the room at a comfortable temperature.
- Keep a record of your child’s temperature and any changes in symptoms.
- If your child can eat, offer food without forcing them.
Fever-reducing medications for children vary according to age and weight. Do not give your child medication intended for adults without medical advice. Please consult a doctor or pharmacist before giving medication to a child.
■What We Can Do at Our Clinic
We provide:
- English-speaking medical care
- Medical consultation and assessment of your child’s overall condition by a physician
- Temperature and blood pressure measurement and physical examination
- Rapid testing for influenza, COVID-19, streptococcus, etc.
- Blood tests when indicated
- Intravenous (IV) fluid therapy for dehydration when appropriate
- Prescription medications based on your child’s age and symptoms
- Referral to a pediatric specialist or pediatric medical facility when necessary
■Appointment
At International Clinic Osaka Shinsaibashi (ICOS) in Shinsaibashi, Osaka, we provide medical consultations for children who develop a fever while traveling in Japan. We offer same-day appointments and English-speaking medical services, so international travelers can receive medical care with confidence.
If you are concerned because your child has developed a fever during your trip or you are unsure where to seek medical care in Japan, please feel free to contact us by phone or email.
Address:
4F Zenith Building, 1-13-25 Nishi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Japan
Phone:
+81-6-6484-6392
Email:
c.icos@international-clinic-osaka.com