Fever in Infants and Children

Posted By: admin September 7, 2011

If a child’s oral temperature ( from mouth) is taken by a thermometer it will be 98.6F (37C) and 99.6F (37.5C) when taken rectally ( from his bottoms). Though principally a temperature more than that is called fever in the child but doctors define that an oral temperature more than 99.6F (37.5C) and a rectal temperature above 100.4F (38C) IS called as fever.

HOW TO CHECK YOUR CHILD’S TEMPERATURE –

When your child’s body shows an increased temparature than normal it is a sign of fever. Preliminarily, you can judge by touching the forehead, neck and chest of your child whether he is in normal temperature or not. If he is warmer you can use an thermometer to confirm your doubt.

Use a thermometer to take the temperature of your small child, rectally. A rectal thermometer is used for the children less than 3 months. For the children over 6 months, an oral or an ear thermometer can be used easily. It is suggested not to use a mercury thermometer for smaller children as mercury is a toxic element and its exposure could be harmful to the child.

Thermometers should be used properly after the use otherwise they will be a source to spread infections. A child can take a rectal thermometer in his mouth or a thermometer can choke his throat, so never neglect the cleaning and safety aspects.

TREATMENT OF FEVER IN CHILDREN –

Human body shows its internal problems as some deseases or defects on the upper surface. Fever is a sign that the body is fighting from any virus or external agent. If your child is between 3 months to 3 years of age and he has a low grade fever (100.2F) than it is not compulsory to give him any medicine. If the fever exceeds more than this temperature or the child’s body is aching, you should give him medicines but strictly after consulting to the doctor.

If the child is younger than 3 months and he is having a higher temperature than 100.2 F, directly go to the nearby good doctor and take some instant actions as the child is surely suffering from a serious infection.

TIPS ON GIVING MEDICINES –

  1. A child aged less than 2 months should not be given medicines without talking to the doctor.
  2. Make sure you are giving right amount of the medicine to your child.
  3. Dont give more than 5 doses a day.
  4. Use a special liquid measuring device in case of liquid medicines.