Most healthcare providers define a fever as a temperature of 38 ° C (100.4 ° F) or greater when taken rectally. An elevated temperature may be alarming, but it is generally not something severe in an otherwise healthy child. A fever often means that the body is working as it should fighting against infection.
When their temperature increases, children may become more uneasy. Children with fever may not be as active or talkative as usual and may seem fussier, less hungry, and thirstier. Here a few tips on how to deal with fever in a child.
Medications
Give an antifever medicine like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to your child. Do not offer aspirin to your child because it was linked to a severe and possibly deadly illness called Reye syndrome.
Clothes
Lightly dress up your child. Excess clothing will trap the heat of the body and increase the temperature.
Bathing
Bathing or sponging the child with warm or lukewarm water can assist in lowering temperature. Do not use cold water or ice baths because they can decrease the temperature too much, causing the child to shiver which will increase fever even more than before.
Fluids
Encourage the child to drink clear fluids other than water because it does not contain the electrolytes and glucose required. Clear liquids you can give your child are chicken soup and other rehydrating beverages.
Monitoring
Taking a temperature rectally gives the most accurate reading. If this makes you uncomfortable or is not possible at the time, measure temperature below the armpit. Continue to regularly take the child's temperature to see if it goes up or down.
Call the Doctor
Call your child's doctor if the fever is accompanied by one of the following: