Question 1

What temperature is considered a fever in Filipino babies?

Accepted Answer

38°C (100.4°F) or higher, taken rectally for babies under 3 months. For older children, armpit temperature of 37.5°C or higher is considered a fever. In the Philippines, always use a digital thermometer — glass mercury thermometers are no longer recommended by DOH.

Question 2

When should I bring my feverish baby to the ER in Manila?

Accepted Answer

Any fever in a baby under 3 months = ER immediately. For babies 3–6 months, fever over 39°C = ER. For children over 6 months, fever above 40°C or fever lasting more than 3 days = call your pediatrician right away. If your child has a febrile seizure, go to the nearest ER immediately — Philippine General Hospital and PCMC both have 24-hour pediatric emergency.

Question 3

What are the early dengue warning signs in Filipino children?

Accepted Answer

High fever (39–40°C) that appears suddenly with no cough and no runny nose — those absent cold symptoms are the key distinguishing sign from flu. Watch for severe headache behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, and skin flushing. A dengue rash typically appears on days 3–5 as red blotches on the trunk. During rainy season in Metro Manila, always suspect dengue when fever has no clear cause.

Question 4

When should a child with dengue be hospitalized in the Philippines?

Accepted Answer

Bring your child to the ER if you see any of these dengue warning signs: bleeding gums or nose, severe stomach pain, persistent vomiting (3 or more times in one hour), rapid breathing, no urine for 6+ hours, or your child becomes very restless or unusually sleepy. These require immediate hospital care. PCMC, Philippine General Hospital, and Quirino Memorial Medical Center all have dengue wards.

Question 5

My child missed the 12-month MMR vaccine. Do we start over?

Accepted Answer

No need to start over. Simply give the missed dose as soon as possible — this is called catch-up vaccination. Your child's pediatrician can review the immunization card and tell you exactly which doses are still needed.

Question 6

Are the vaccines at the barangay health center the same quality as private clinics?

Accepted Answer

Yes. DOH-provided vaccines are the same WHO-prequalified vaccines used in private clinics, stored and handled according to national cold chain standards. Optional vaccines like flu or varicella are not available for free but are equally safe.

Question 7

How do I know if my child has hand, foot, and mouth disease or just a rash?

Accepted Answer

Hand, foot, and mouth disease causes blister-like sores inside the mouth, on the palms, and soles of the feet — often with mild fever. A regular rash usually does not appear in all three places at once. See a doctor to confirm the diagnosis.

Question 8

My child keeps getting colds every month. Is that normal?

Accepted Answer

Yes, young children can get 6 to 10 colds a year, especially after starting daycare or school. Their immune systems are still developing. As long as your child is eating, growing, and recovering well, this is normal. Frequent handwashing is the best prevention.

Question 9

What are the warning signs that my child needs to go to the ER immediately?

Accepted Answer

Go to the ER if your child has difficulty breathing, blue or pale lips, a seizure, uncontrolled fever above 40°C, severe dehydration (no tears, dry mouth, no urine for 8 hours), or becomes limp and unresponsive. When in doubt, always go.

Question 10

My child is breathing fast. Is that an emergency?

Accepted Answer

Fast breathing can signal pneumonia, asthma, or severe infection. More than 50 breaths per minute in a 1-year-old or 40 in a 2-year-old is concerning. If the chest pulls inward or lips turn bluish, go to the ER immediately.

Health FAQs for Filipino Working Moms

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