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A Guide To Handling Fever In Children Fever is common, especially to children. It can happen
anytime, anywhere - in the park, at home, or at school. Some mothers panic when their young children come down with
fever. Others are quite nonchalant. So what should one do about it?
Fight it, or let it be?
Fever is often a symptom of infection or illness.
It is your body's way of fighting against infections with its natural
defense system. Since children tend to be dehydrated and uncomfortable
during a fever, it should be constantly monitored.
Some
practical points:
-
Give
your child lots of clear fluids to drink. Avoid drinks containing
caffeine, including colas and tea as these have a diuretic effect.
-
Children
with temperatures less than 38.9°C (102°F) do not usually require
medication, unless they are uncomfortable.
-
A
good way to bring down fever without the use of medication, is by
applying a ready-to-use cooling sheet onto the forehead of your child.
The water-based gel of a cooling sheet absorbs heat and quickly cools
the skin and surrounding areas.
-
Dress
your child lightly, and make sure bedclothes are light.
-
Keep
your child away from school or day care.
When
to visit the doctor?
Visit
your doctor if your child has a fever and:
-
is
an infant aged 3 months or younger
-
refuses
fluids or seems too ill to drink adequately
-
has
any of the signs of dehydration
-
has
a seizure
-
is
still feverish after 72 hours
Courtesy
of Bye-Bye Fever from Hisamitsu
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