Adenovirus fever and febrile seizures

A febrile seizure is a convulsion associated with fever in a young child. The child may stiffen, jerk, roll the eyes or become briefly unresponsive. Adenovirus is one of many infections capable of causing the fever; the seizure does not by itself identify which infection is present.

Clinicians assess the child's age, recovery, seizure pattern and signs of the underlying illness. They may look for dehydration, breathing problems, a rash, neck stiffness or altered awareness. A febrile seizure is different from epilepsy, although any episode still deserves careful assessment, particularly when it is the child's first.

Place the child on the floor or another safe surface, move hard objects away and cushion the head. Note when the movements start. Do not restrain the child and do not put food, liquid, fingers or objects in the mouth. Once jerking stops, place the child on their side and stay nearby while breathing and responsiveness recover.

Afterwards, remove excess clothing and offer fluids only when the child is fully awake. Fever medicine may improve comfort but cannot be relied upon to prevent another febrile seizure. Use only a medicine and dose suitable for the child's age and weight.

Call emergency services if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes, breathing is difficult, the child remains unusually unresponsive, movements affect only one side, another seizure begins before recovery, or the child is injured. Seek emergency help as well for a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade when pressed, persistent confusion or severe breathing difficulty.

A first seizure needs prompt medical assessment even when it stops quickly. A clinician should also review a child whose episode is different from previous febrile seizures or whose underlying illness is worsening. Do not drive while the child is actively convulsing.

Describe how long the episode lasted, which body parts moved, the child's colour and breathing, and how recovery progressed. Ask what to do if it happens again, whether rescue medicine is needed, how to manage fluids and fever, and which features should trigger immediate emergency contact.