Patient's question:
The child's current body temperature is only 35 degrees, she is 6 years old. She has a slight cold or cough and took cold medicine in the evening. Just now she came down to use the restroom, and I noticed her forehead was a bit cold. I took her temperature, and it was only 35 degrees—is this a high fever? What emergency measures should be taken?Doctor's answer:
This is not low-grade fever, it is hypothermia; a fever only occurs when the body temperature is below 37 degrees. Low-grade fever refers to a body temperature between 37 and 38 degrees, and a lower body temperature often indicates a more serious condition. It is recommended to recheck the body temperature for more than ten minutes. If the temperature remains low, it is advisable to seek medical attention immediately. A cold is often caused by a viral infection, so it is important to get adequate rest, drink plenty of fluids, and consider oral antiviral medication if necessary. If the condition does not improve, other causes should be considered, and further examination and diagnosis in a regular public hospital's respiratory department (pediatrics for children) may be necessary.