FEVER

When we consider a child is febrile?

Usually we measure the temperature with an electronic thermometer under the axilla for one minute. If the temperature is higher than 37,2° C, then we assume that a fever is coming. But we don’t have to worry or to give any medicine. We repeat the measurement in 30 minutes to  be sure what is happening with our child’s temperature.

Should we be anxious with fever?

Fever is a physical immune response to organism invaders like viruses and microbes. So it is a friend not a foe! Fever is also a sign that something is going on. Signs like rush, vomiting, lethargy irritation or seizures consist a reason for medical advice. In general, any change in our child’s behavior in combination with febrile situation seek medical guidance.

How to cope with fever?

There are plenty of antipyretic drugs in pharmacies in order to normalize our body temperature. How safe are they? Actually, if a neonate has fever we call immediately our doctor! For older children there are safe antipyretic medicines like paracetamol or ibuprofen syrups we can give. Always we are cautious about dosage and dose intervals. There is the golden rule about Paracetamol, that we give in ml the ½ of the weight in Kg/dose. That is right except from weights > 40 Kgs. The maximum dose is 20 ml for paracetamol ,12 ml for ibuprofen or else no one guarantees safety. There are also physical means like showers and cooler pads for fever. The mean we are going to use depends on the height of fever and, of course, our child’s general condition and medical history. If the fever is low, physical means are fine. If there is a history of seizures we rush the antipyretics in lower temperatures. We always should remember to be careful in watching the symptoms and act when there is real need.