Fever treatment: A Parent's Guide to Cooling Down Kiddie Hotspo

Introduction:

When your child is running a fever, it can be a worrying time for any parent. However, the good news is that most fevers can be managed at home with a little TLC (tender loving care). In this article, we'll guide you through some easy steps recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to help your child feel better.

Further advice to manage fever symptoms and fever treatment:

1. Keep Them Comfortable:
   One of the first things to do is make sure your child is comfortable. Dress them in light clothing and keep the room at a comfortable temperature. 
2. Stay Hydrated:
   Fever can lead to dehydration, so encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids. This can include water, diluted fruit juices, or oral rehydration solutions.  Where a baby or child is breastfed the most appropriate fluid is breast milk. If they don't feel like eating, don't worry too much, but it's crucial to keep them well-hydrated. Consider seeking further advice if you detect signs of dehydration (mentioned in the list further below).
3. Over-the-Counter Medication:
   If your child is uncomfortable or in pain, you can use paracetamol or ibuprofen, as recommended by your healthcare provider. Always follow the correct dosage instructions and avoid giving them both medications at the same time unless advised by a healthcare professional. Remember that fever not coming down with medication does not mean it is a worse illness!
4. Monitor the Fever:
   Keep an eye on your child's temperature regularly. NICE suggests using a digital thermometer for accuracy. If the fever persists or worsens, seek advice from your doctor. They can provide guidance on whether further medical attention is needed.
5. Rest and Sleep:
   Ensure your child gets plenty of rest. Fever often leaves children feeling tired and lethargic. Let them sleep as much as they need to aid the healing process.
6. Watch for Warning Signs:
   While most fevers are harmless and resolve on their own, it's essential to watch for warning signs. If your child experiences difficulty breathing, persistent vomiting, or severe headaches, seek medical attention promptly.
7. Stay Informed:
   Familiarise yourself with reputable sources for managing childhood fever. Knowing what to do can help you stay calm and take the necessary steps to care for your child effectively. Recognise that children younger than 3 months with a temperature of 38°C or higher are in a high-risk group for serious illness. (Note that some vaccinations have been found to induce fever in children aged under 3 months). Please also note that children aged 3 to 6 months with a temperature of 39°C or higher are in at least an intermediate-risk group for serious illness. 

How to best measure temperature:

• Do not routinely use the oral and rectal routes to measure the body temperature of children aged 0 to 5 years..
• Forehead chemical thermometers are unreliable 
• In infants under the age of 4 weeks, measure body temperature with an electronic thermometer in the armpit. 
• In children aged 4 weeks to 5 years, measure body temperature by one of the following methods:

1. electronic thermometer in the armpit
2. chemical dot thermometer in the armpit
3. infra-red tympanic thermometer.

Some useful tips:

• Antipyretic agents do not prevent febrile convulsions and should not be used specifically for this purpose.
• Tepid sponging is not recommended for the treatment of fever. 
• Children with fever should not be underdressed or over-wrapped.
• Do not use antipyretic agents with the sole aim of reducing body temperature in children with fever. 
• Please keep your child away from nursery or school while their fever persists but do notify the school or nursery of the illness.
• When using paracetamol or ibuprofen in children with fever:

1. continue only as long as the child appears distressed
2. consider changing to the other agent if the child's distress is not alleviated
3. do not give both agents simultaneously
4. only consider alternating these agents if the distress persists or recurs before the next dose is due.

How to detect signs of dehydration: Look for the following features

• sunken fontanelle
• dry mouth
• sunken eyes
• absence of tears
• poor overall appearance

Seek further advice if:

• your child has a fit
• your child develops a non-blanching rash (using a glass test)
• you feel that your child is less well than when you previously sought advice
• you are more worried than when when you previously sought advice
• the fever lasts 5 days or longer
• you are distressed, or concerned that you are unable to look after your child

Conclusion:

Caring for a child with a fever can be challenging, but by following these simple steps based on NICE guidelines, you can help your little one feel more comfortable and on the road to recovery. Remember, if you ever feel uncertain or if your child's condition worsens, don't hesitate to contact your healthcare provider for personalised advice. Your child's health is a priority, and with a little care and attention, they'll be back to their playful selves in no time.