Fever and medicine

Definition
A fever is a body temperature higher than a normal temperature of 98.6° F.
Fever is a healthy way in which the body fights infection.
When a child has a fever, the main concern is how sick your child seems. This is much more important than the height of the fever. High fevers are not usually dangerous. The height of the fever alone does not indicate the seriousness of the infection.

Many doctors suggests not using medications to reduce fevers in anyone over the age of three that has a fever less than 102°F (about 39.9°C). Fever does benefit the body in fighting infection. If a child has a minor fever and seems unaffected, you don’t necessarily need to run for the medicine cabinet for acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

The behaviors listed below probably indicate that a baby or child is not seriously ill with fever.
A baby will coo, make eye contact, smile or reach for an object.
A toddler will pay attention to activities, smile, walk around to get things.
An older child will engage in quiet activities like coloring or reading.

Paracetamol is generally the form of acetaminophen sold in other countries. These products may be used to make a child more comfortable, but they do not treat the underlying illness. Again, how sick your child seems is more important than whether or not the fever comes down to normal. If your child is resting comfortably, there is no need to wake him or her to give acetaminophen.

Promote liquids and rest

We all need to sleep more whenever our bodies fight an infection. Liquids are important because we sweat more when we have fevers. Children are more prone to dehydration compared to adults.

Signs of dehydration in children include:
No urine output in 8 to 12 hours
Listlessness
Dry cracked lips and/or mouth
No tears when crying

CELSIUS FAHRENHEIT
36.6 97.8
37.0 NORMAL 98.6
37.6 99.6
38.0 100.4
38.6 101.4
39.0 102.2
39.6 103.2
40.0 104.0
40.6 105.1
41.0 105.8


Tips on giving medicines correctly
Give a dosage accourding to your child's weight, not age.
Always measure the medicine with a dropper, dosage cup or other accurate measuring device. Kitchen teaspoons used for cooking are not accurate.
One teaspoon = 5 ml. or cc (milliliters or cubic centimeters).

Less clothing

Children should not be over-bundled when they have a fever, as this tends to raise their temperature. Dress infants in a minimum of clothes and use a light blanket if they have chills.