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| Fever In Children |
| The human body has a thermostat which helps us to regulate our body temperature. The normal body temperature is between 36.5°C and 37.5°C.
With infection or other illnesses, various chemicals are released in our body. This
re-adjusts the thermostat, resulting in fever.
A few points to note about fever : |
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Fever is the body's way to fight infection. However, it is not just caused by infections alone. |
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How high a fever is does not indicate the severity of the illness that is causing the fever. |
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Over-wrapping and a generally hot environment can cause the body temperature of a child to be slightly above normal. |
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Fever caused by viral infections may persist for up to 5 to 7 days and will only completely settle when the viral fever has resolved. | | |
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| Medications |
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Symptomatic treatment with paracetamol and other anti-fever medicines may only temporarily suppress the fever. |
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Antibiotics are of no use in viral fevers. |
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Do NOT use Aspirin in children. | | |
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| Other Measures |
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1. |
TEPID SPONGING may help if the temperature is more than 39.5°C.
Use tap or lukewarm water to sponge.
Remove clothings, cover the child with towel sponge and dry his face.
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Apply the cool compress to forehead, nape of neck, armpits and groin.
Proceed to sponge body starting with the front then to the back.
Generally you should not sponge a child for more than 30 minutes at a stretch. Stop sponging when shivering occurs, or when the child turns blue or is mottled. |
| When your child shivers, cover him up and wait a while before resuming sponging. |
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2. |
Encourage your child to take plenty of fluids |
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Dress your child in light clothings to allow heat exchange. |
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Keep the room environment cool and well-ventilated to allow the ambient temperature to help bring the fever down. | |
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Consult your doctor when your child: |
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Is feeding poorly, vomiting or lethargic. |
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Is very young, especially less than 3 months old. |
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Has difficulty breathing . |
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Is drowsy. |
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Looks sicker than previously. |
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Has abdominal pain and discomfort. |
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Has rash. |
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Has decreased urine output. | | |
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