What does emergancy room fever evaluation in these babies include?
Besides a thorough history taking and physical examination, these babies will usually undergo blood tests (including blood culture), urine test (including urine culture) and in most of the cases also lumbar puncture in order to get spinal fluid from the outer spinal fluid to rule out meningitis.
In most of the cases the baby will be hospitalized in order to receive antibiotics pending cultures (takes about 2 days) and for observation.
How do babies get infected with common viruses?
The source of these viral infection is usually a sick grownup (with mild common cold symptoms for example) or an older sibling attending a day care.
These viruses are transmitted by touch, wet kisses, runny noses or hands that haven’t been washed properly after touching saliva or a runny nose.
Can we avoid infections and fever in infants younger than 1 month?
Since older siblings should enjoy and bond with the new baby, it is almost impossible to make a full separation. However, I think it is best to make sure that the older siblings don’t kiss the new baby around the mouth and cheeks (kissing on the head is ok) and that they washed their hands and face before touching the baby.