Fever
Introduction
Fever is a raised body temperature of over 37 °C (98.4 °F).
Symptoms
If your child has a fever their body temperature will be higher than normal. Fever is the body’s natural reaction when infections make us ill. It helps us to fight the infection.
Treatment: What you can do for yourself
If your child has a fever, then watch carefully for any further symptoms. If your child is not its normal self then give your child sugar free Paediatric Paracetamol. Read the instructions on the pack very carefully.
- Give children aged 3 months to 2 years 120mg (every 4 hours)
- Give children aged 2-6 years 240mg (every 4 hours)
- Paracetamol can take up to one and a half hours to work.
*******DO NOT GIVE YOUR CHILD MORE THAN THE DOSE WRITTEN
ON THE PACK UNLESS ADVISED BY YOUR DOCTOR***********
Contact your doctor if:
Children over 1 year
- Your child is confused or drowsy, whatever its temperature
- Your child is vomiting (being sick) all the time
- Your child has a fever and diarrhoea or vomiting or does not want to drink, after 24 hours
- You think your child is in pain
- Your child is short of breath
- Your child shows any sign of neck cramp or pain when bending the head, or vomits all the time
- Your child has a rash that doesn’t blanch, pale hands and feet.
Babies
- The soft spot on your baby’s head (fontanella) is tight or bulging
- Your baby is being very sick (not just possetting)
- Your baby is not drinking very much
- Your baby has a fit or convulsion
- Your baby has a high temperature that does not go away after 2 days. Speak to your doctor about this even if the baby seems to be normal and is drinking enough.
Febrile Convulsion (fit)
A fever that rises quickly may bring about a febrile convulsion. This is more often known as a fit. If this is the first episode call an ambulance. Gently place your child on its side or stomach, with the head down and to one side.
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