Most monsoon fevers in children are viral and resolve in 3-5 days. However, monsoon season (barsaat ka mausam) also brings dengue, malaria, and typhoid - which need prompt medical attention. The key is knowing which fever to manage at home and which needs immediate doctor consultation.
Not every monsoon fever is dangerous! With proper hygiene, mosquito protection, and knowing warning signs, your child can enjoy the rains safely.
Reassurance:
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Common Monsoon Diseases in Children
Watch: Baby Spitting Milk after Feeding? Know if this is a Cause for Concern | Babynama Child Care
Disease
Cause
Spread Through
Severity
Viral fever
Various viruses
Air, contact
Usually mild
Dengue
Aedes mosquito bite
Mosquito
Can be serious
Malaria
Anopheles mosquito bite
Mosquito
Serious if untreated
Typhoid
Salmonella bacteria
Contaminated food/water
Needs antibiotics
Cholera
Vibrio bacteria
Contaminated water
Medical emergency
Viral gastroenteritis
Rotavirus, etc.
Contaminated food/water
Usually mild
Influenza (flu)
Influenza virus
Air droplets
Usually mild
Leptospirosis
Bacteria in animal urine
Contaminated water
Can be serious
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Temperature Guide: Monsoon Fever Management
Temperature
Likely Cause
Action
99-100.4°F
Viral fever
Monitor, keep hydrated
100.4-102°F
Viral/bacterial
Give Calpol, watch for 24-48 hours
102-103°F
Could be dengue/typhoid
Give medicine, consult doctor
Above 103°F with chills
Could be malaria
Urgent doctor visit
Above 104°F
Any
Emergency - rush to hospital
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Calpol/Paracetamol Dosage for Monsoon Fever
IMPORTANT: For suspected dengue, give ONLY paracetamol. NEVER give Meftal-P, Brufen, or Aspirin!
Child's Weight
Calpol Drops (100mg/ml)
Calpol Syrup (120mg/5ml)
5-6 kg
0.5-0.6 ml
2.5 ml
6-8 kg
0.6-0.8 ml
3-4 ml
8-10 kg
0.8-1 ml
4-5 ml
10-12 kg
-
5-6 ml
12-15 kg
-
6-7.5 ml
15-20 kg
-
7.5-10 ml
Dosing: Every 4-6 hours. Maximum 4 doses in 24 hours.
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Disease-by-Disease Guide
Viral Fever (Viral Bukhar)
Symptoms:
Fever 100-102°F
Body aches
Fatigue
Runny nose, mild cough
Lasts 3-5 days
Home Care:
Calpol for fever
Rest and fluids
Light, nutritious food
Usually resolves on its own
Dengue Fever
Warning: Common during monsoon. Look for these signs!
Symptoms:
High fever (103-105°F) for 2-7 days
Severe headache, pain behind eyes
Joint and muscle pain (haddiyon mein dard)
Skin rash (usually day 3-4)
Nausea, vomiting
Bleeding gums or nose (severe cases)
CRITICAL:
Give ONLY Calpol - NEVER Meftal, Brufen, Aspirin
Get blood test (platelet count) if fever >2 days
Watch for warning signs (see below)
Keep extremely hydrated (ORS, coconut water)
Malaria
Symptoms:
High fever with chills (kaanpna)
Fever comes and goes in cycles
Sweating after fever breaks
Headache, body pain
Can have vomiting, diarrhea
Action:
Blood test (smear or rapid test) is essential
Needs antimalarial medication
Don't delay treatment
Typhoid (Motijhara)
Symptoms:
Fever that gradually increases over days
Starts mild, becomes high (103-104°F)
Headache, weakness
Stomach pain
Constipation OR diarrhea
Rose-colored spots on chest
Action:
Widal test or blood culture needed
Requires antibiotics for 10-14 days
Complete course is essential
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When to Rush to Doctor (Emergency Signs)
GO TO HOSPITAL IMMEDIATELY if:
Fever above 104°F (40°C)
Bleeding from gums, nose, or in vomit/stool
Severe stomach pain
Persistent vomiting (can't keep fluids down)
Blood in urine or stool
Extreme lethargy or drowsiness
Difficulty breathing
No urination for 6+ hours
Cold, clammy skin with fever
Confusion or altered consciousness
Seizures or fits
Consult doctor within 24 hours if:
Fever lasting more than 3 days
Fever not responding to Calpol
Severe headache
Pain behind eyes
Rash appearing
Repeated vomiting or diarrhea
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Monsoon Disease Prevention Checklist
Mosquito Protection (Dengue/Malaria Prevention)
[ ] Use mosquito nets at night
[ ] Apply mosquito repellent (Odomos, etc.)
[ ] Wear full-sleeve clothes, long pants
[ ] Keep doors and windows closed in evening
[ ] No water collection in pots, coolers, tires
[ ] Use mosquito coils/liquidators safely
[ ] Screen windows if possible
Food & Water Safety (Typhoid/Cholera Prevention)
[ ] Drink only boiled/filtered water
[ ] Avoid street food and cut fruits
[ ] Wash hands before eating
[ ] Wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly
[ ] Avoid raw or undercooked food
[ ] Store food properly
[ ] Keep kitchen clean
General Hygiene
[ ] Wash hands frequently with soap
[ ] Keep nails short and clean
[ ] Bathe daily
[ ] Don't share personal items
[ ] Keep home clean and dry
[ ] Avoid playing in stagnant water
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Home Remedies for Monsoon Illness
Immunity Boosters
Haldi doodh (turmeric milk): For children 1+ year
Kadha: Ginger, tulsi, honey (for children 1+ year)
Vitamin C foods: Orange, amla, guava
Warm dal-chawal: Easy to digest
Vegetable soup: Nutritious and hydrating
For Fever
Light cotton clothing
Tepid sponging for high fever (after medicine)
Plenty of fluids (ORS, coconut water, dal paani)
Rest in well-ventilated room
For Stomach Issues
ORS solution for dehydration
Light diet (khichdi, curd rice)
Avoid oily, spicy food
Banana for potassium
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Monsoon Vaccinations
Vaccine
Protects Against
Age
Typhoid vaccine
Typhoid
2+ years (booster every 3 years)
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A
1+ year
Flu vaccine
Influenza
6+ months (yearly)
Rotavirus
Gastroenteritis
Given at 6, 10, 14 weeks
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Expert Insight: As our doctors say, 'Focus on how your child looks and acts, not just the number on the thermometer.'
FAQs
Q: Baby has 102°F fever in monsoon. Is it dengue?
A: Not necessarily! Most monsoon fevers are viral. However, if fever is above 102°F for more than 2 days, especially with body pain or rash, get a blood test done. Give Calpol only (never Meftal/Brufen until dengue is ruled out).
Q: How much Calpol for 8 kg baby with monsoon fever?
A: For 8 kg baby, give Calpol Drops 0.8 ml or Calpol Syrup 4 ml. Can repeat every 4-6 hours if needed, maximum 4 doses in 24 hours.
Q: My child played in rain water and now has fever. What should I do?
A: Monitor the fever. If it's mild (below 101°F), give Calpol and watch. If fever persists beyond 2 days or goes above 102°F, consult a doctor. Rain water exposure can cause viral infections, leptospirosis, or skin infections.
Q: Can I give Meftal-P for monsoon fever?
A: AVOID Meftal-P (and Brufen/Ibuprofen) during monsoon until dengue is ruled out. These medicines can increase bleeding risk in dengue. Stick to Calpol/paracetamol only.
Q: How to know if it's dengue or normal viral fever?
A: Dengue usually has: higher fever (103-105°F), severe body/joint pain, pain behind eyes, and often a rash around day 3-4. Only blood test can confirm. If in doubt, get tested after 2 days of fever.
Q: Child has loose motions with fever in monsoon. What to do?
A: This could be viral gastroenteritis or food poisoning. Give ORS after every loose stool, continue feeding, and give Calpol for fever. Consult doctor if: blood in stool, severe stomach pain, more than 6-8 loose stools/day, or signs of dehydration.
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This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. Last updated: January 2025
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