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Fever in a Child
LOOKING AFTER YOUR CHILD WITH A
TEMPERATURE
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A child develops a temperature in response to an
infection.
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Most childhood infections are caused by viruses. Viral
infections do not get better with antibiotics.
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A few children, usually under five years old, will
have a convulsion with a high temperature. The child
suddenly shakes all over and then becomes very still.
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This information is designed to help you bring your
child’s temperature down, to avoid a convulsion, and
make him or her feel better.
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If
your child feels hot and appears unwell, take his or
her temperature with a thermometer or fever scan. The
normal temperature is 37.5 degrees C, If the
temperature is raised (or if you do not have a
thermometer, but think your child has a temperature)
try to lower it as follows:
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Give your child some paracetamol, Calpol or Disprol.
Give the higher recommended dose.
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Dress your child in cool clothes, for example a tee
shirt and shorts. Heat is lost through a child’s head
so leave it uncovered.
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Give your child plenty of cool
drinks, as fluid is lost with a fever. If he
is unwilling to drink, encourage small amounts from
a favourite cup.
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Sponging your child, especially the head, with tepid
water and a cool flannel, will help to bring the
temperature down making the child feel better.
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Repeat
the dose of paracetamol every four hours if necessary.
Do not give more than the maximum total dose in 24hrs.
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You can also use ibuprofen (Nurofen/Calpofen) unless
they have asthma or are known to be allergic to it.
This can either be used with or in-between the
paracetamol to help bring the temperature down.
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If your child does not improve after steps 1-7 of the
above advice call the surgery or out of hours duty
doctor service.
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You will not make your child worse if you take him in
a pram or a car to see the doctor. Usually the fresh
air makes feverish children feel better.
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A child with a fever is likely to be restless at
night. Offer cool drinks and sponge his head if he
wakes in the night.
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