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STAYING  CALM

 

Finding that your child has a raised temperature can be a very frightening experience. Parents worry that a high temperature may cause brain damage, convulsions or even death, and fear that the temperature will continue to rise inexorably unless something is done to stop it.

 

In fact, a raised temperature usually means that your child is fighting infection. The fever activates the body's immune system and most fevers are caused by viral infections, which do not respond to antibiotics.

 

A high temperature is not the only indicator that a child is ill ­children, especially babies, can be very poorly and not have a fever at all. On the other hand, a healthy child can get a raised temperature in hot weather, from doing exercise, wearing clothes that are too warm or heavy, having a hot bath, or even a hot drink. What counts is how ill your child seems to you.

 

If you suspect your child has a fever, take her temperature and then again half an hour later when she's rested. If it is still raised, check for other signs of illness. Try to get her to drink as much fluid as possible - tittle and often is the key to prevent her vomiting it back up.

 

SYMPTOMS

 

Temperatures above the following are considered to be fevers:

 

Method

 °C           °F

Under arm

37.2

99

Oral

37.5

100

Rectal

   38.0   100.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Symptoms include raised temperature, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, runny nose, earache, achiness, shivering, rash, tummy pain

 

When to call the doctors:

 

It is not always easy to decide when to seek medical advice. Always trust your instincts - it may be that your baby or child just doesn't appear 'right' to you. Ring your  doctor  immediately if any of the following symptoms are apparent:

 

• Your baby is less than three months old and has a low-grade fever, 37.2°C (99°F), unless the fever follows immunizations.
• Your baby is not feeding.
• High fever is 39°C (102°F) or more.
• Your child cannot be comforted.
• She will not wake up, or is drowsy or floppy.
• She cries if you touch her.
• Her neck is stiff.
• She is vomiting.
• She has a rash if not typical of chickenpox or other common viral illnesses - and particularly if they have purple spots that do not fade when pressed.  
• Your baby/child has trouble breathing even after you have cleared her nose of mucus.
• Your baby/child cannot swallow anything and is drooling saliva. 

Within 24 hours if:

·        It hurts when she passes urine or she is going more often.

·        Fever is still high even if symptoms are not apparent.

·        She has a history of febrile convulsions.

 

Treating fever at home

A normal temperature for your child is 37"C (98.4°F) - higher than this may indicate a fever. Try to keep your child calm and follow the guidelines below for treating her effectively and making her comfortable while she is feeling unwell. 

 

lf you suspect your child has a fever, ask her where she has a pain. Call the doctor immediately if she shows any of the symptoms requiring urgent medical help. 

Take your child's temperature. The commonest way is to use a fever scan placed against the skin, usually on the forehead. Alternatively, hold a thermometer under your child's arm for three minutes. 

Take off any warm clothing and make sure your child is comfortable. Sponge her forehead and body with tepid, rather than cold, water. Do not be tempted to sit her in front of a fan as this will make her shiver, thus generating more heat.

 

She'll be more clingy than usual and need to feel secure, so make sure she has her favourite teddy or toy. Give infant paracetamol or temperature. infant ibuprofen (never aspirin) to lower the

 

Fever Fits

 

Febrile convulsions are the reason we worry about a child having a temperature. They often happen as the temperature is rising for the first time, before the parent is even aware that their child has a fever. These fits are very common, affecting mainly Children between the ages of six months and three years. The characteristic stiffness followed by jerking or tvyitcl'1ing movements usually lasts less than five minutes.

 

• Try not to panic. A short fit does not damage your child. Febrile convulsions are not epilepsy. She will grow out of them usually after the age of three. 
• Try to lie your child on her side to stop injuring herself. 
• Don't put anything in her mouth but puIl her jaw gently forward to stop her choking on her tongue. 
• It See medical. help once the fit bas stopped or if she is still fitting after five minutes. 

For  More  Information:  Please  consult  your  physician  on  your  next  visit.