Who and when the disease is threatening
Three-day fever, also known as "mild erythema" - is a disease that suffers from children between 6 and 36 months of age. It lasts from 3 to 5 days. It is a seasonal disease - it occurs most often in autumn and early spring. But sporadic cases may appear throughout the year.
The cause of the disease
The cause of the three-day fever is the virus - HHV6 (human herpesvirus 6). This virus is commonly reported, which confirms the presence of its antibodies in almost all children aged about 4 years. It is worth knowing that after passing the disease, you acquire immunity to the virus for your whole life.
How is your child infected with the HHV6 virus?
The source of children's infection are contacts between children, although the main source of infectious viruses are probably adults. That's why relatively often babies with it are carefully insulated in their homes. The incubation period for this viral infection is 5 to 15 days.
High temperature and other symptoms of a three-day fever
The disease starts with the sudden appearance of high temperature, 39-40oC, with no other preceding symptoms. The fever lasts three days, and when it falls, a red rash appears on the torso (as with scarlet or rubella). The spots quickly disappear from the torso, and appear on the neck, arms and legs. After two days, the rash disappears completely. Her speech means the end of the disease, the child stops infecting then.
Course of illness
The course of the three-day fever depends on how high the temperature the child has and how he / she abolishes it. If it is very high, convulsions may occur. Their appearance always makes a huge impression on the parents (especially when it happens for the first time). Despite this, the disease is not dangerous and does not cause complications.
Recognition
If your child is suspected of having a three-day fever, call a physician who will confirm (or exclude) the diagnosis. His visit is necessary because similar symptoms may have a simple infection or measles or scarlet fever.
Treatment of three-day fever
Lower the child's fever, dress lightly, make sure that the home is not too hot. To break the temperature you can apply cool wraps to the forehead and neck, wipe the forehead with a sponge drenched in lukewarm water, wrap calves or - when these treatments do not result - use pharmaceuticals antipyretic. You have to give your child a lot of fluids; if he does not want to eat, he does not have to, he just needs to drink a lot. As long as the fever continues until the rash develops, the child should stay at home.
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