11 month baby having viral fever.

1. Fever in a child or adult is a response to some kind of infection in the body . Fever is not the diagnosis . It is a symptom of some problem in the body . Viral infections are the commonest cause of fever in  childhood . 2. They last 4 to 5 days . May or may not be associated with cough , loose stools , sneezing etc . They come down when you give Paracetamol ( Fever medicine ) but recur in a few hours . The behaviour of the child in between the fever episodes is important . If she is well and active once fever is reduced , it's a good thing 3. Avoid unnecessary antibiotics 4. Appetite goes down with an infection ( as happens when we adults also have fever) so remember that and don't force feed . It will only be counterproductive and may cause vomiting 5. Ensure a good hydration by adequate amount of fluids. An adequate urine output means she is well hydrated 6. If baby is breast fed continue to breast feed.  That provides adequate nutrition and hydration during an illness 7. In case the fever is persisting beyond 5 days , baby is listless even when fever is down , excessively vomiting , having poor  urine output , or nay other symptoms appear , meet with your Pediatrician immediately