Fever

The main concern is how sick your child is acting .

The height of the fever does not tell us the seriousness of the infection.

 

Repeat Temperature in 1 hour if between 37.7C and 38C for the followings:

  • Over bundled, especially common in babies under 3 months; unwrap and repeat temperature
  • Recent exercise
  • Eaten hot foods before an oral temperature

TIPS

  • Ear thermometers are not very reliable in children less than 6 months.
  • High fevers do not cause brain damage unless greater than 41C or associated with diseases that affect the brain, like meningitis
  • Do not give panadol in infants less than two months with a fever.  Call your doctor immediately if above normal.
  • Breathing rates and heart rates are increased with a fever.
  • Seizures associated with fevers only occur in about 3 to 5 percent of the population and these are called febrile seizures. They are generally harmless. 
  • Teething does not cause a significant fever

Normal Temperature:

  • Oral temperature-fever if greater than 37.8C: take orally over 5 or 6 years of age in a cooperative child.The tip of the thermometer is held under the tongue for 5 minutes.
  • Axillary temperature (under the arm) - fever if greater than  37.5C: not as accurate, but may be used to screen for a fever. Hold the tip of the thermometer in the armpit and keep the arm against the body for 5 minutes.
  • Ear temperature: see instructions on specific ear thermometer

Types of thermometers

  • Digital thermometers are easy to read because they beep with a number when the final temperature is correct.
  • Glass mercury thermometers are harder to read and care must be taken to avoid breakage while the temperature is being taken.
  • Ear thermometers are easy to use and read, but are not always accurate.They are not very reliable in children under about 6 months

Panadol and Nurofen dosages:

  • Best if dosed by weight, not age
  • Always measure with an accurate measuring device. 
  • Panadol or ibuprofen may be given with other medicines. Just make sure the over-the-counter cold medicine does not also contain panadol.
  • Liquid medicines may be mixed in with soft foods or liquids.
  • Chewables may be crushed and added to the food.

One teaspoon = 5 ml. ( If no measuring device available)

Give Panadol or Nurofen if:

  • Received DPT (Diphtheria-Pertussis-Tetanus) injection in last 24 hours
  • Received MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella) or Varivax (chickenpox vaccine) in the last 7 to 14 days
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