FEVER – a NORMAL response of the body to various conditions, with the most common being infection. Almost every child will experience fever at some point, and it is always a challenge for parents.
FEVER – temperature > 37.2 °C (axillary), with slightly different values depending on the measurement site.
YES for fever:
- in most cases, monitoring and treating a febrile child can be done at home;
- antipyretics should only be administered as needed;
- consult a doctor before giving paracetamol to an infant < 3 months;
- dress an infant < 3 months appropriately for body temperature;
- children can return to collective environments when their body temperature has been normal for at least 24 hours;
- the rate at which the body temperature rises is important, not just the fever value;
- antipyretics lower the body temperature by approximately 1°C to 1.5°C;
- avoid any heat sources near a febrile child (stoves, direct sunlight, etc.);
- paracetamol and ibuprofen can be alternated only if monotherapy fails, and under the doctor’s guidance;
- some vaccinations can cause fever;
NO for fever:
- do not administer antipyretics to a child > 3 months with a temperature < 37.9 and in good general condition;
- do not administer ibuprofen to an infant < 6 months;
- do not force-feed children;
- do not measure body temperature by touch;
- do not overexert the child physically;
- do not administer ibuprofen to a de
hydrated or vomiting child;
- do not administer antipyretics to a febrile child who eats, sleeps well, and plays;
- do not administer antipyretics prophylactically;
- do not use alcohol and vinegar as antipyretic remedies;
- do not give aspirin to children (risk of Reye’s syndrome);
- fever > 37.9°C is not attributed to teething.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
- hydrate the child more than usual;
- undress the child according to the microclimate;
- maintain an appropriate microclimate: temperature – 18-22°C, humidity – 50-60%, clean and ventilated;
- correctly dose the antipyretic:
- paracetamol 10-15 mg/kg per dose, with a 4-6 hour interval;
- ibuprofen 5-10 mg/kg per dose, with a 6-8 hour interval;
The body temperature returns to normal values within 3-4 days without treatment.
Dr. Olesea Jalba
