Kristine Hermosa and son Vin are the newest ambassadors of KoolFever fever relief pads. Following the launch of their commercial, the actress graced an exclusive event and talked about the challenges of caring for children when they are unwell.
Speaking from personal experience, the young mom relayed how KoolFever’s gentle cooling gel sheets help alleviate her worries by providing her kids, especially one-year-old Vin, with quick and effective relief from fevers.
“Vin can’t sleep when he has a fever,” says Kristine Hermosa. “It’s hard to see him restless and uncomfortable, that’s why I’m grateful for KoolFever. It’s easy to use and it helps bring down his temperature so he can feel better in no time.”
She adds, “I’ve always trusted KoolFever to help relieve my kids of their fever. It is a must have for me in my first aid kit.”
According to the brand, each KoolFever pad has a soft, bouncy gel made of 80% moisture that absorbs and disperses heat from the body. It’s formulated to sustain the cooling effect for up to four hours, and its texture ensures it stays in place even if your baby moves around while he sleeps. It is an effective alternative to a sponge bath, which helps provide relief from fever discomfort. Moreover, the gel has no coloring or fragrance, so it’s guaranteed to be gentle on your baby’s sensitive skin.
Kristine with her 1-year old son Vin
What is fever?
A human body’s regular temperature is around 36-37ºC. Normal body temperature varies from person to person. It may also be influenced by activities such as exercise, sleeping, eating and even the time of day. For example, your body temperature generally peaks at around 6pm and is at its lowest around 3am.
According to Dr Ratna Sridjaja, “fever occurs when the body’s internal ‘thermostat’ raises the body temperature above its normal level.”
She explains that this thermostat is located in the part of the brain known as the hypothalamus, which is responsible for regulating the body’s temperature and keeping it within the normal range.
When your little one is ill or has an infection, sometimes, the hypothalamus will increase the body’s temperature in response. Dr Sridjaja says that “researchers believe that turning up the heat is the body’s way of fighting the germs that cause infections and making the body less comfortable for them.”
So, when your child’s body temperature rises, it means his immune system is healthy and working hard to fight an infection or illness. And while it your baby’s fever certainly is a worry, do remember that a mild fever (around 37.5-37.7ºC) in a baby over the age of 6 months is usually no cause for concern and means that his immune system is working just fine.
Remember: fever itself is not an illness; it is a sign of illness/infection.
Common causes of fever
*The information in this section is adapted from Seattle Children’s Hospital.
Almost always, a fever is caused by an infection, with viruses causing 10 times more infections than bacteria.
The following are some of the most common causes of your baby’s fever:
- Viral Infections: Colds, the flu and other common viral infections are the most common causes of fever in babies. In fact, little ones — especially if they are in daycare — may have seven to 11 viral illnesses accompanied with fever per year. Often, fever might be the only symptom you notice in the first 24 hours, followed later by other symptoms such as a runny nose and/or cough.
- Bacterial Infections: These infections are the second most common causes of fever in babies. Look out for bladder infections in girls especially if she has no other symptom other than fever. Unexplained fever is also a symptom of common bacterial infections like strep throat.
- Sinus Infection: A sinus infection is a complication of a cold, with a symptom being the return of fever a few days after your child’s temperature returns to normal (along with sinus pain).
- Vaccine Fever: Many babies develop fever after most vaccines, usually within the first 12 hours. It may last for two to three. This is normal and harmless and means the vaccine is working. However, if your baby’s vaccine-related fever worries you, do see a doctor without delay.
- Overheating: Low grade fever can occur if your child is over-heated. This could be either via overdressing or high environmental temperature. His temperature will return to the normal range once he is moved to a cooler place or the unnecessary layers of clothing are removed. Rest and drinking extra fluids also help in re-establishing a normal temperature.
When to be worried about baby’s fever
Newborn fever
If your baby under the age of three months old develops a temperature over 38ºC, you will need to show him to a doctor without delay, says Dr. Barone. It is also a cause for concern if your baby’s temperature drops to less than 35.5ºC.
Worrying symptoms to look out for
Dr Sridjaja advises that you should see a doctor if your baby over three months of age has a fever under 39ºC, but also:
- refuses, or seems too sick to drink enough liquids
- has persistent vomiting and/or diarrhea
- shows signs of dehydration, such as being less alert/active than usual, crying without tears or urinating less than usual
- feels pain when urinating
- is suffering from a medical condition such as cancer, kidney or heart disease
- has fever for more than 72 hours
- also has a rash
Seek immediate medical attention, advises Dr Sridjaja, if your baby over three months of age has a fever over 39ºC, along with any of the following symptoms:
- Inconsolable crying and extreme irritability
- Lethargy and difficulty walking
- Rash or purple spots that look like bruises on the skin ( that were not there before the child got sick)
- Stiff neck
- Headache
- Blue lips, tongue or nails
- Seizure
- Infant’s soft spot on the head that bulges out or sunken inwards
- Difficulty breathing
- Leaning forward and drooling
Source: KoolFever, The Asian Parent
Also read: Baby’s fever: Do’s and don’ts all parents must know