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things you must know to fight your child's fever

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By Wallpaper Queen


be sure to know the temperature
be sure to know the temperature

Fight that Fever

You put your seemingly well child to bed one night and the next morning, she appears unwell and has fever. What should you do?

A fever is a rise in the body's temperature above the normal level. The medical term for fever is pyrexia. In fact, a fever is not an illness in itself but a symptom of an underlying problem.

What causes fever?

Usually, fever is caused by an infection when bacteria or viruses invade the body. Some infections that cause fever are childhood infectious diseases (chickenpox, measles, mumps, etc.). Throat, ear and chest infections, tonsillitis, influenza (flu), and food poisoning. Exercise, a hot bath, too much clothing, and hot weather can raise a child’s temperature. Remember that babies and young children cannot regulate their body temperature as efficiently as adults, so they need protection from hot environments. Some allergic conditions will cause fever, a child who has suffered severe trauma, such as a car accident, may also develop fever. A few hours after receiving vaccination, a child may develop slight fever: This is not usually serious and should soon subside.

How can I tell if my child has fever?

You can tell if your child has fever by taking her temperature and by observation. She will feel hot to the touch, appear flushed and probably be listless and sleepy. Her mouth may be dry and she may shiver or complain about being cold. Think of "normal" temperatures as a range instead of an exact figure. For example, normal rectal temperatures for infants range r from 98.2 to 100.4°F (36.8 to 38°C). Temperatures may vary several degrees during the day. Even in healthy children. For a child of any age, "fever" is generally defined as a temperature above 100.4°F (38°C) by rectum or 99.5°F (37.5°C) by mouth. Drinking or eating warm foods can also cause the temperature to rise. Wait 30 minutes and take the child's temperature

Again.

How do I take my child's temperature?

It can be difficult to take the temperature of a young child, particularly when he or she is sick and uncooperative! It is wise to prepare for the occasion in advance. Read the instructions that come with your thermometer if you are still unsure how to use it safely ask your doctor for advice, he should show you how to use it safely. Practice using it when you have time and before your child becomes sick. Explain what you are going to do and why. In this way, you will both become familiar with the procedure. If my child has fever; what do I do? Fever in children is a cue to look for other signs of illness, such as:

  • loss of appetite
  • vomiting or abdominal pain
  • irritability
  • nusual sleepiness
  • severe headache
  • persistent crying
  • inability to swallow
  • sore throat
  • ifficulty in breathing
  • ear pain
  • pain with urination.


 

Should I call the doctor? 

As a parent, you have to assess the situation. If your child has low to moderate fever, and possibly some other mild symptoms, but is alert, not in pain and is drinking fluids, then encourage her to rest. Do what is necessary to bring her temperature down and keep a watchful eye on her condition. 

 

Should I call the doctor?  

As a parent, you have to assess the situation. If your child has low to moderate fever, and possibly some other mild symptoms, but is alert, not in pain and is drinking fluids, then encourage her to rest. Do what is necessary to bring her temperature down and keep a watchful eye on her condition. 

 

When to call the doctor

Call your physician if your child:

1. Has difficulty breathing.

2. is less than two months old and has a rectal temperature above 100.4"F (38°C). Call your physician even if your child seems fine, just to be sure.

3. Is between two and three months of age, has a rectal temperature of more than 101°F (38.4°C), and shows signs of illness as listed.

4. is any age, but has a rectal temperature of 104°F (40°C) or more.

5. Has taken acetaminophen or paracetamol for three days but the fever persists with other signs of illness.

The body is able to fight many infections. With good basic care, many children will recover in 24-48 hours. If your child does not show signs of improvement in this time frame or if you are worried, then YES, consult your doctor. 

 

Can I send her to school?

You should not send a child with fever to school. She is ill and needs to stay home until she is better. 

 

What to do

Give your child acetaminophen or liquid paracetamols. This medication is available over the counter with different names, such as Calpol, lylenol, Panadol, and Tempra. Acetaminophen comes in several forms, including drops.  Liquid and tablets. Each form has a different strength, so read labels and follow directions carefully, paying particular attention to dosage instructions for age or weight.

Place your child in a cool, well-ventilated room. Remove all extra clothing, remove extra bedding and use a cotton sheet as a cover. If necessary. Place an extra fan in the room, Tepid sponge (see below) the child every few hours. Offer the child plenty to drink but don't worry if she doesn't want to eat. 

 

Tepid sponging

Tepid sponging is a good way to lower a child’s temperature during a fever, it is also very soothing. To do this, you will need a washcloth, a basin of tepid water (never use ice water), two dry towels and some talcum powder. Place the child on a towel, top half- exposed, bottom half covered with a sheet. Using the wet flannel wipe it over the upper part of the body, face, arms and chest. Does this several times using long, sweeping motions, then pat the area dry with a towel. Continue to do the same over the lower half of the body. Once completed, powder the child who will feel quite clean and comfortable. This procedure has the effect of lowering the temperature of the body as the water evaporates off the skin; it can be done every few hours. Young babies do not find it as comforting as older children. Therefore, the easiest solution is to give them a bath in tepid water.

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