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A child's average body temperature is about 37°C (98.4F). If your child's temperature is higher than 38C or more, then
they probably have a fever. A child may have a slightly raised temperature for a brief period of time for many reasons, including
increased physical activity, so this is not always a cause for concern. You should always use a thermometer to check a child's
temperature, feeling a child's skin temperature is not always a reliable way of diagnosing a fever. Sometimes a child may
appear flushed, and their skin may feel warm, but the child's core temperature will in fact be quite normal. This can happen
when they have a cold or have engaged in vigorous physical exercise. It can also occur on a very hot day.
Causes
Children get fevers for all kinds of reasons, fever is a symptom of something else, most fevers, and the illnesses that
cause them, only last a few days. Sometimes a fever will last much longer, and may be the sign of an underlying chronic or
long-term illness or disease. Infections are by far the most common cause of fever in children. Most of these are caused by
viruses, which are responsible for colds, upper respiratory infections, and the common infectious diseases of childhood. These
infections don't last long and usually don't need to be treated. In general, fever is nature's response to infection, and
can actually help the body to fight infection.
However some infections are caused by bacteria, and need treatment with antibiotics. These include certain ear and throat
infections, bladder infections, pneumonia, blood infections and meningitis. For example, a very sore throat with a fever can
be caused by streptococcus, and if not treated with antibiotics can lead to rheumatic fever or heart damage. There are other
causes of fever which are relatively uncommon, and include allergic reactions to drugs or vaccines, chronic joint inflammation,
some tumours, and gastrointestinal diseases.
Treatment
Fever is one of the ways the body has of fighting infection, and the temperature will return to normal when the infection
or other cause of the fever has completely gone. The fever should only be treated if you feel it is making your child uncomfortable,
irritable or so lethargic that they are not drinking enough fluids. Warning: in children under the age of 12 months fever
may be an indication of a more significant illness, and you do need to seek medical advice. Febrile convulsions or fits occur
in about 4% of children between the ages of six months and five years. Children inevitably outgrow febrile convulsions by
the age of 4-5 years. They usually have no long-term consequences, but talk to your doctor about them.
Here are some ways that a child with a fever can be made more comfortable:
- Dress your child in light cotton clothing.
- Give them small quantities of clear fluids such as water, or boiled lemonade, (this was always a mum's favourite) to drink
at frequent intervals, (bear in mind that lemonade is too strong for a child with diarrhoea). If your child is not hungry
it's OK, the most important thing is to make sure that they are drinking enough to avoid dehydration.
- You can give them children’s painkiller but always make sure you read the label to ensure you give the recommended
dose.
- Cooling measures such as cool bed baths, sponging with cool flannel, use of fans may make your child more comfortable,
but that depends on the child.
Warning ; Seek medical attention immediately if your child:
- has difficulty breathing
- is aged less than 12 months and has a fever
- is causing you to worry for any other reason.
- refuses to drink, and is urinating less frequently
- complains of a stiff neck, persistent headache or light hurting their eyes
- vomits persistently, or has very frequent bouts of diarrhoea
- does not improve in 48 hours
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