Fever (children): Home Doctor & Self Therapy

A child with a fever has a temperature raised persistently above 98.6ºF (37ºC). Children develop a fever more easily than adults. Causes may include a minor illness, such as a cold, ear infection, or chickenpox, or simply being overdressed. A feverish child looks bright-eyed and flushed, and the forehead and neck feel hot. Some children feel tired, shiver, and have a headache.

WARNING

Seek immediate medical help if:
● Your child has a headache and stiff neck, is sensitive to bright light, and/or develops a rash
● He or she is drowsy, is breathing fast, or has had a seizure

See your doctor first

Arrange to see your doctor promptly if your child also has earache, a rash, or a sore throat.

What you can do yourself

Use the self-help treatments described below to make a feverish child more comfortable.
● Make sure your child gets plenty of rest, although he or she does not need to stay in bed.
● Give an analgesic such as acetominophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever (see DRUG REMEDIES, below) and give your child plenty of cool drinks.
● You can get a good idea of your child’s temperature by feeling his or her forehead or the back of the neck. If you need an accurate result, use a thermometer (see PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE, below).
● Dress your child in light clothing. Don’t swaddle the child in blankets, even if he or she has chills. Make sure the room is comfortable and not too hot.

DRUG REMEDIES

Analgesics include acetaminophen, available as drops, liquid medicine, or chewable tablets, or ibuprofen, available as drops. Make sure you ask your pharmacist to
recommend an appropriate product for your child. If your child spits the medicine out, try using an oral syringe (available from your pharmacist).

PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE

• Taking a child’s temperature Use an easy-to-read digital thermometer, which is placed in your child’s mouth or armpit, or an aural sensor thermometer, the tip of which is inserted into the ear. Take a reading every 2–3 hours. Forehead temperature strips are unreliable, and mercury thermometers are no longer recommended. 
• Aural thermometer: Gently insert the tip for a few seconds. Remove the thermometer to read the display.

Seek further medical advice

Arrange to see your doctor if:
● Your child does not improve within 24 hours
● His or her temperature continues to rise
● He or she develops new symptoms