What you need to know about high temperature / Treatment and measures to be taken

2023-11-26 15:21:00, Shëndeti Ilir Allkja

What you need to know about high temperature / Treatment and measures to be

Fever is an increase in body temperature above normal. Body temperature is usually lowest in the morning and rises during the day.

Each person's body temperature can be different.

It is difficult to give an exact temperature for a fever, but most health care providers agree that a fever is a temperature of 100.4? Fahrenheit (F) or 38? Celsius (C) or higher.

A fever can indicate that the body is fighting a viral or bacterial infection.

It can also happen after receiving a vaccine, from overheating or from a very bad sunburn.

Many times, the fever does not need to be treated and will go away on its own.

The type of thermometer used can make a difference.

Use a digital thermometer to measure the temperature. Never use a mercury thermometer.

Rectal thermometers are the most accurate.

Forehead thermometers are another good solution if used properly.

Oral (mouth) and ear (tympanic) thermometers can be used. For oral temperatures, wait 30 minutes after drinking something hot or cold. By ear, wait 15 minutes after coming in from the cold.

Finally, taking the temperature in the armpit can be used as a quick check, but it is not very accurate.

- Medicine at home

A fever may not need to be treated if your child does not feel uncomfortable. Even temperatures higher than 38?C are usually not dangerous unless they are the result of a long-term illness.

- Dress your child in light clothing. Over-dressing them can trap body heat and cause the temperature to rise.

- Give extra fluids.

Infants under 1 year of age: Continue to give breast milk or formula.

Children over 1 year of age: Give extra fluids to drink, such as water, 100% diluted fluid, or Tresol (ORS).

- Your child may not want to eat much. Offer soft foods often and in small amounts, but don't force them to eat.

- Taking a bath with warm water (38?C) in a bowl or bathtub helps a lot. Give them a bubble bath or soak your baby up to their chest in a bathtub. The water should be around 38?C, not too hot or cold.

Do not add alcohol to the water. It can be dangerous.

Check your child's temperature 15 minutes after the bath. If the temperature is 39.4?C or rising, repeat the bath or tub.

Over-the-counter medications can help lower a fever. Read the label on the bottle to know the right dose for your child.

- Paracetamol can be used in all children over 2 months.

- Ibuprofen can be used in children over 6 months.

- Do not give aspirin to children. Aspirin has been linked to a disease called Reye's syndrome, which can be fatal!

When to call the doctor or emergency?

Call your child's doctor right away if your child:

- Is less than 3 months old and has a temperature of 38?C or higher.

Is older than 3 months and has a temperature: 40?C or above.

- If the temperature is above 38.9?C for more than 2 days.

- If home methods were used but did not work.

- When the child is over 1 year old and looks very sick, is very restless or very sleepy.

- Does not eat or drink and shows signs of dehydration: dry mouth, sunken eyes, dark urine, dry diapers or lack of urination.

- Have a stiff neck, severe headache, sore throat, painful stomach pain, vomiting or diarrhea.

- There is an unusual rash

- Has been in a very hot place, such as an overheated car.

There are problems with the immune system that make them more prone to illness, such as blood diseases, cancer, etc. or if they are taking a drug that weakens the immune system.

Call 127 or go to the pediatric emergency if your child has breathing problems, has seizures or is sleepy.