A child’s body temperature can rise as a way to fight viral infections like colds and flu. Fever can also be caused by teething, earache, sore throat, headache and immunizations.
Most children’s normal body temperature hovers around 37˚C. Body temperatures of over 38˚C (if measured in the mouth) or 37.5˚C (in the ear) are considered a fever.
How to measure a fever
An ear thermometer is quick, accurate, will give you a reading in seconds, and is the best type of thermometer to use with young children. Digital thermometers used under the tongue also measure accurately after 2 - 3 minutes but may not be suitable for very young children if they have glass components. Temperature readings from the armpit are not very reliable and measure about 0.5˚C lower than temperatures taken from under the tongue. Your local Unichem has a range of different thermometers and your Pharmacist can help you choose the best one.
What to look for
In addition to using an ear or mouth thermometer to check for a raised temperature, there are signs that your child could have a fever. Look for:
Tears and irritability
Loss of appetite
A flushed face
They’re not sleeping like normal
They touch the body part that hurts (if an ear or throat infection is causing the fever)
Treating your child’s fever
Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids. A child with a high temperature can become dehydrated.
Let them rest.
Keep them cool. If they shiver while their temperature is rising, it’s ok to cover them. As soon as their temperature has stabilized and they start sweating, they need to cool down. Dress them in lightweight clothing and cover with a light sheet.
Bathe them in a lukewarm bath – not too hot, not too cold. Any shivering will actively raise their body temperature.
Get advice on medicines from your Unichem Pharmacist – not all fevers need to be treated. If your child has a fever and is happy, you don’t need to give them any medicine. If they have a fever and are miserable, treat with a suitable medicine and don’t hesitate to see a doctor if you are worried at all. See the paracetamol and ibuprofen dosage tables below and talk to your Unichem Pharmacist for additional advice.
Last but not least – give them lots of TLC (tender loving care)!
When to see a doctor
Seek immediate medical attention if your child:
Behaves differently, looks exhausted or ill, cries constantly, cannot be comforted or doesn’t wake easily
Is younger than 3 months and has a rectal temperature of 38˚C or higher, even they don’t have other signs or symptoms
Is older than 3 months and has a temperature of 38.9˚C or higher
Is younger than 2 years and has a fever longer than one day
Is older than 2 years and has a fever longer than three days
Has just had an operation
Has ongoing tonsillitis
Has pain when urinating, or urinates more than usual
Has other illnesses or does not seem to be improving
Has a rash on their body
If any of the following symptoms accompany your child’s fever, it’s a medical emergency and you should call 111 immediately:
Trouble breathing
A stiff neck or complaints of a sore neck
A red rash, or blue or purple dots or patches over their body
Confusion or hallucinations
Cramps or leg pains
Is affected by bright light
Has continual vomiting or diarrhea
A guide to paracetamol and ibuprofen dosages for children
This guide is not a replacement for care and advice from your Unichem Pharmacist. The correct dose depends on your child’s weight and the strength of the medicine.
Important advice about paracetamol and ibuprofen
Always read instructions on the packaging carefully.
Double check the dose and strength.
Shake and invert the bottle a few times before measuring.
Always use a medicine measure (like an oral syringe) for accurate doses. Always leave at least 4 hours between doses.
Do not exceed four doses in 24 hours.
If the pain and fever are still present after 24 hours, talk to your Unichem Pharmacist or doctor.
Keep all medicines out of reach and out of sight of children.
If your child has too much medication, call your doctor, Unichem Pharmacist or the National Poisons Centre (0800 764 766).
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