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WHAT IS FEVER?
* A body temperature that rises above 38 degrees
* Usually caused by a viral infection in children
* Fever in itself is not harmful and is one of the bodies normal responses to infection
* It is not uncommon for a child to have several mild infections per year causing fever.
TAKING A TEMPERATURE
*Axillary - under the arm. This is the safest way to take a temperature in young children. Read after 3
minutes.
* Mouth - under tongue, for over 5 year olds. Read after 3 minutes.
* Ear - Using tympanic thermometer. Not always accurate in babies. Results in seconds.
TREATMENT FOR A FEVER
* dress in light clothing
* give small frequent drinks of clear fluid
* fever does not necessarily require treatment with medications
* give paracetamol (panadol) only if the child is distressed or appears to be in pain
* Paracetamol has not been shown to decrease the risk of febrile convulsions
* do not give regular paracetamol for over 48 hours without medical assessment
THINGS TO AVOID
- wrapping or overdressing, even if the child feels that they are cold as the body can’t then lose heat through the skin
- fans / air conditioning
- cold water sponging (crying or shivering will increase the temperature)
- no more than 4 doses of paracetamol per day and no less than every 4 hours
NEVER GIVE ASPIRIN TO A CHILD UNDER 16 AS IT COULD CAUSE A RARE CONDITION
CALLED REYE'S SYNDROME
SEEK IMMEDIATE PROFESSIONAL ADVICE IF THE CHILD
^ Looks pale and lethargic
^ Suffers severe headache, neck stiffness or photophobia (light hurts eyes)
^ Has breathing problems
^ Has a rash
^ Is becoming more unwell
^ Will not drink
^ Shows signs of drowsiness
Note: Children under 6 months of age and those with chronic health problems should be monitored closely
SOURCES Paediatric Handbook 7th edition 2003
Community Paediatric Review
Fever : Department of Health Handout
