Important Do’s and Don’ts When Fighting Fever in Children

It can be very stressful when a child is sick, especially when it comes to fever in children. More often than not, you would start feeling anxiety when this happens. When children have fever, it means their body is fighting a kind of illness. 

Sometimes, you would be very worried. But you mustn’t overreact and underreact in such cases even during cold and flu season. Since it can make you miss important things. So, below are the do’s and don’ts when fighting fever in children. 

Do consult with a professional 

When the fever is mild and your child looks relatively good, you can let it run its course. You can relieve discomfort with ibuprofen (babies over six months) and acetaminophen (babies over three months). 

But, before medication, it could be best to consult with a professional at a pediatric medical center since fever can sometimes result in febrile seizure. Seizure and convulsion are usually an indicator of a child having fever. 

And though it can be scary to parents, they don’t last long, cause disability or brain damage to the child. But, you must ensure the pediatrician approves that your child is old enough for the type of cold medicine you intend to use. 

Do consider a lukewarm compress

When your child can’t keep the medicine down or is vomiting, fill up your tub with two inches of tepid water. Then, use a washcloth to dribble over your child’s legs, arms, and trunk. This will help reduce core temperature. 

Do keep your child hydrated.

Sweats from a fever can dehydrate your child. So, ensure they have lots of water. If your child has diarrhea or is vomiting, then you can offer an electrolyte drink instead. 

Don’t overdress or underdress your child

When a child develops a fever, it is normal to dress them more warmly. But, you must ensure that the child isn’t covered in thick blankets. Doing this would stop body heat from escaping. 

The result would be an increase in temperature. Also, your child might need to cool down since he would be breaking her fever, so don’t overdo it. 

Don’t use an icy bath

When fighting fever in your children, you must not rub your child’s skin with alcohol or even use an icy cold bath. Doing any of these could increase the fever. 

Don’t combine remedies

When your child is running a fever, you should not combine flu and cold remedies. Ensure you consult with a pediatrician before giving your kids any remedy. Also, don’t alternate between different medications without a go-ahead from a pediatrician. 

Wrap up

Parents can sometimes feel helpless when their children are sick with a fever. But, sometimes, the fever might be a good thing. Fever occurs as a child’s defense against infection. 

The child’s body raises its temperature to fight and kill the germs. Most times, fever in children can be harmless and would go away in about three days. But, when it lasts more than five days, or your child is less than two months old, then you should see a pediatrician.