How to Cope with Child Fever

Below are 5 useful tips for parents on coping with child fever :

1. Determine how high your child's temperature is. Use an easy-to-read digital thermometer or a thermoscan. Never put a mercury thermometer in a young child's mouth. It can break easily.

2. A temperature above 38°C (100.4°F) may be a sign of illness.

3. Give your fever child Paracetamol drops if his temperature rises above 38°C and only if he is older than 3 months. Read the instructions carefully. Follow the recommended dosage. Make sure he is cool and comfortable. (Paracetamol is a fever treatment that helps lower your child's temperature and relieves his aches and pains.) You can also sponge him with lukewarm water. Gently dab his face, neck and arms. Then sponge his legs. Let his skin dry naturally but ensure that his bed doesn't get damp. Continue for about 15 minutes. Take his temperature again and if it is still above 38°C (100.4°F) call your doctor immediately.

4. Bring your baby to a doctor immediately if he is under three months and has a fever.

5. As his temperature falls, he will sweat profusely and need plenty to drink. Change his clothes once his temperature is normal and he’ll feel much better.
 

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