Since these are the times of deadly viruses ruining our lives, it is very important for us to be prepared to fight them.The most troubling symptom which a viral infection causes is fever.
Fever happens due to ineffective functioning of the body's internal "thermostat" which raises the body temperature above its normal level. This thermostat is basically a part of the brain called the hypothalamus.
The hypothalamus knows and determines what temperature the kid's body should be and will send messages to the body to keep it that way.
High, continuous, relapsing fever is one thing that increases the parent' s anxiety the most. Thus, it is very essential to understand how to manage your child's rising body temperature.
Whenever in doubt check the body temperature of your child. If you take the axillary temperature ( under the shoulder area ) then add 1 to the reading and that will give the actual temperature of the child.
If you take oral temperature that's more accurate and is almost the same as actual body temperature. Temperature taken by an infrared device is not that accurate but whichever mode you have chosen, you need to take the temperature and monitor it.
If the body temperature comes out to be 100 or more, the child needs medicine. Paracetamol syp or tab or drop ( for infants) will be the first choice , with dose according to the weight of the child. Other options like Ibugesic plus or Meftal P can be given , whichever is available.
Immediately after giving the medicine start sponging of the child ( normal water sponging) of the whole body.
One can track daily vitals and share them with doctor instantly with Eka.Care's app. It helps in maintaining a medical history of your child and the whole family.
Don't over cloth the child during fever, instead remove clothes and do sponging. That is the most effective and rapid way to cool the child's body . Even a shower ( bath with normal water) is recommended.
You may keep the child with the air conditioner on ,and a relatively cool environment , that helps. Especially in summers, often the high environmental temperature becomes the reason for fever in an otherwise healthy child.
As you have given the medicine and started doing sponging , measure the temperature after every 30 min till it gets back to normal .
The medicine of fever needs to be repeated at a gap of 4-6 hours, depending on the nature of fever ( if continuous). The traditional mindset restrains parents from giving the medicine of fever till they consult the doctor which delays the treatment of the child and does harm to the child' body. Therefore, the medicine should be given promptly . Then of course as you have taken care of the fever, you take an appointment with the paediatrician and consult.
This management of fever remains the same irrespective of the cause or whatever be the infection.
Pediatrician and Neonatologist - MBBS, MD, DCH, CCAI
Book your consultation with Dr. Nivedita Kapoor: https://www.eka.care/dr-nivedita-kapoor