John Murtagh, Patient Education, Third edition, McGraw-Hill Book Company

Fever
What is fever?
Fever is present when the temperature of the body
(measured inside the mouth) rises above 37.2C. The normal
body temperature is up to 37C. Most fevers are due to an
infection in the body and are an important part of the body's
defence against infection. Fever is usually caused by a virus
but sometimes by bacteria. The temperature returns to normal
when the infection settles.
Fever in chiIdren
Fever is common in children, in whom the temperature may
rise quickly to 38.5C or higher. It does not mean the child has
a serious illness. It is normal for children, especially infants
and toddlers, to have at least 5 or 6 episodes of fever a year.
Management of fever
AduIts
Do not overheat with too many clothes or blankets.
Drink a lot of light fluids, especially water.
Take aspirin or paracetamol tablets for relief.
Fan or sponge the patient if the fever is severe.
Seek medical attention for the following:
severe headache or neck stiffness
twitching, shaking or convulsions
excessive drowsiness;
signs or symptoms that worry you
ChiIdren
Dress the child in light clothing.
Do not overheat with too many clothes, rugs or blankets.
Keep the child cool, but avoid draughts.
Give the child small drinks of light fluids, especially water,
often. Do not worry if the child will not eat.
Give paracetamol syrup every 4 hours until the temperature
settles.
Give the child plenty of tender loving care, with reassurance
that they will soon feel well.
Note: Cooling measures such as completely undressing the
child, sponging with lukewarm water and using fans
are not necessary.
Seek immediate medicaI heIp for the foIIowing:
severe headache or neck pain (with stiffness)
light hurting the eyes
repeated vomiting
a convulsion or the child acting 'odd'
undue drowsiness or difficulty waking up
refusal to drink
the child looking sicker
no improvement in 48 hours
earache or other pain
Key points
Fevers fight infection.
Fevers are common in children.
Give them paracetamol mixture every 4 hours.
Keep them cool.
print