Fever in children

Fever is a common occurrence in childhood illness episodes… 

, and may be caused by a wide variety to diseases ranging from the common cold to serious infections.Fever may be the only symptom, or may be accompanied by other symptoms and sign of the illness, such as shivering, headache, loss of appetite etc.

Measuring fever
Assessing a child’s body temperature by hand alone can be very misleading. A reliable thermometer should be used to measure fever. The traditional glass mercury thermometer is very reliable if correctly used; which means 3 minutes under the tongue, or 5 minutes under the armpit. In infants rectal temperature measurement may be the only accurate way. Electronic thermometers can also be accurate. Consult the manufacturer’s instruction carefully when using

Reducing the fever
Fever of more than 38oC or 100oF may be treated with fever medicines at a dose appropriate to the weight of the child. Commonly used fever medicines are paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen) and ibuprofen. Aspirin must not be given to children to treat fever. High fever, around 39oC or 103oF, may need additional measures to bring down. Sponging or wiping down with a wet towel is frequently effective. The water used should be tepid or cool but ice or very cold water should not be used. The body requires more water than normal when there is fever. The feverish child should be encouraged to drink plenty of fluids.

When to seek help
Moderate fever is not dangerous in a child who has fever from a known cause, such as a common cold, and who is not feeling very unwell. Conversely serious illnesses are not always accompanied by fever. Other symptoms occurring with the fever may however make it imperative to seek medical attention. Drowsiness, lethargy, irritability and constant crying are signs of possible danger. Infants age under 3 months with fever should always be seen by a doctor, even if the infant appears well otherwise. If fever cannot be brought down adequately or at all using the measures described the child should be seen by a doctor

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