Three Steps to treating a feverish child |
Fevers and children seem to go hand in hand, but that doesn't make it any less concerning for a parent whose child falls ill and has a fever. When dealing with a feverish child, there are three main goals: reduce the temperature, prevent dehydration and monitor for a more serious illness.
A child's temperature is considered a fever if it is higher than 38°C (100.4°F). When treating a child at home, the goal is to make the child more comfortable by reducing their temperature to under 38.9°C (102°F).
"The first step a parent needs to take with a feverish child is to get that fever down," says family physician, Dr. Vivien Brown. "I recommend to my patients starting with an acetaminophen based product, like Children's Tylenol. Then they can take additional steps like giving a bath in warm water and ensuring the child is not overdressed - even in the winter."
The second goal is to keep the child from becoming dehydrated. Humans lose extra water from the skin and lungs during a fever. Parents need to encourage the child to drink clear fluids - ideally ones that are high in electrolytes and glucose - or eat some popsicles or jello.
Finally, parents need to monitor their child for signs of serious or life-threatening illness. Signs that a child should be taken to a physician include: having a fever for more than three full days, seeming confused or delirious, crying constantly without being able to be settled, or having a seizure / convulsions.
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