Infant Fever After Shots

Most parents loathe the discomfort that their infants undergo after they get their shots. However, it is important to remember that the advantages of immunization far outweigh its side effects. Vaccines protect infants from a host of diseases. Infants are born with certain antibodies that fight infection. There are other that they receive from the mother's milk as they are breastfed. However, the protection from these antibodies are temporary. Hence, even if infant fever after shots bother you, vaccines are important to spruce up your child's immunity against a host of diseases.

Common Reactions of the Body to Vaccines

• Redness or swelling in the skin where the vaccine has been injected
• Soreness or tenderness of the area where the shot was given
• Mild to moderate fever
• Irritability and fussiness in the infant

These are common reactions that should not set panic in parents. These subside in just a couple of days. Infant fever after shots is a sign that the body's immune system is fighting against the organisms introduced into the body and is preparing the body for future infections. Although these reactions are mild, in very rare cases some infants may develop severe reactions to certain vaccines. Such reactions may manifest in the form of breathing problems, wheezing, hives, weakness, fainting, dizziness and irregular heart beat. In case an infant does develop such reactions, a doctor must be immediately called. These reactions are triggered within a few minutes or hours of the shot.

Read more on:

• Pneumonia Vaccine Side Effects
• Smallpox Vaccine Side Effects

Infant Fever After Shots - Reason

Vaccines are killed or weakened strains of disease causing organisms that are introduced into the body. The body recognizes these organisms as foreign bodies. The immune system destroys these organisms and 'remembers' them so that the next time the individual is attacked by the organisms naturally, the body fights them back. Rise in temperature of the body is a sign that the body is fighting off the strain of organisms introduced through vaccines. Bacteria and viruses thrive inside the body at temperatures around 98.6°F. High temperature during fever helps to kill these germs. Also the elevated temperatures help the body in producing more white blood cells, antibodies, and other infection-fighting agents. Hence, infant fever after vaccination is just as much desired as is natural.

Infant Fever After Shots - Care

Vaccines are an integral aspect of proper baby care and discomfort in infants due to which immunization can't be avoided. However, there are ways in which parents can reduce the anxiety and pain of their children. Besides the physical pain, shots tend to unsettle children. Give them emotional support by staying close to them. After the doctor is done with giving the shot, take the baby into your arms and press him close against your chest using your arms. This will soothe the baby and give him a sense of security.

Parents need to be careful while handling their infants, especially the area where the injection is given. Avoid contact with that area. In case there is swelling or redness in the spot, dip a clean cloth in ice water and apply it to that area. Not only would this reduce the baby's pain, but it would also calm the child. Give a few spoons of sugar solution to the baby after immunization as researchers have found that sugar solution has a calming effect on infants.

In case of infant fever after immunization, which is a very common phenomenon, monitor your child's temperature on a regular basis. Mild to moderate infant fever after shots is acceptable. Infants should be given plenty of liquids when they run a temperature. Avoid overdressing kids at such times. A cool cloth can be used to comfort the baby. Also consult your doctor if you are considering giving medicines to your child. To deal with the fussiness of a child who has just received his shots, Tylenol can be given. However, again I strongly advise that parents consult their doctor before administering any medicine to their infant.

Infant fever after shots is a natural reaction of vaccination. Parents shouldn't be overly anxious about it. Just try to make the child as comfortable as you can and consult the doctor so that you are sure that you know what is the best for the baby.