How to Care for Your Child with Fever

• Your child temperature can be measured in different ways
  • Rectally: this is the most accurate reading and is done in hospital
  • Orally: (in the mouth) using oral thermometer under the tongue. this method is suitable for children over 4 years
  • Under the armpit: this is used for young children and infants who can’t hold thermometer in their mouth
• The doctor will ask few questions about your child’s health and examine your child. Your doctor will decide if further investigation or blood tests are required.

• In most cases, a child with a fever can be observed and/or treated at home.
• The fever itself does not need to be treated unless your child:
  • Feels uncomfortable
  • has an underlying medical problem, including diseases of the heart, lung, brain or nervous system.
• If the fever is causing discomfort to your child, the doctor would advise to give medicine for the fever, for example:
  • Paracetamol or Ibuprofen (any brand)
  • Follow the instruction on the medicine package for the correct dose for your child
  • Do not give your child Aspirin as this can cause serious complications

• Do not use glass mercury thermometer, they are dangerous if they break
• Ensure that your child drink plenty of fluids
• Ensure that your child gets enough rest
• Ensure that your child eats food, they may refuse to eat. Offer simple food and regular drinks.
• If your child is vomiting, offer small frequent drinks as this is more likely to stay in the stomach.
• Do not try to control your child’s temperature with lukewarm water sponging
• Ensure that your child vaccinations are up to date.

Seek medical advice if your child:

• Is less than 3-month-old and has a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or greater
• Is any age over 3-month-old and has a temperature of 38°C or greater for two days or more.
• Has any medical problem, including diseases of the heart, lung, brain or nervous system.
• Has diarrhea that lasts more than two to three days or seems to be getting worse
• Has vomiting that goes on for more than one day
• Seems to be dehydrated, signs of dehydration include:
  • Urinating less than usual
  • Not having tears when crying
  • Being less alert and less active than usual
• Has a specific symptom, such as:
  • Sore throat or ear pain
  • Pain when he or she urinates
  • New skin rash that does not fade away when you press with clear glass.
• If you are concerned about your child

• Does not respond to you, has trouble waking up
• Has trouble breathing
• Has blue lips, tongue, or nails
• Starts to lean forward and drool
• Has a stiff neck
• Has severe headache
• Has severe belly pain
• Has a rash or purple spot that look like bruises on the skin (that were not there before he or she got sick)
• Refuses to drink anything or seems too sick to drink enough
• Irritable and will not stop crying