Childhood Fevers
What causes a fever?
There are many things that can cause a fever. Fever is a symptom rather than an illness. It can be caused by a baby’s tooth coming through, a cold, tonsillitis, measles, mumps, possibly food poisoning or an earache.
A fever can stem from any illness which has been caused by a virus or bacteria. It is simply the body fighting off an infection, which is a natural but disheartening process. When you look into your child’s eyes and see that he is suffering from a fever your heart goes out to him; you would even be willing to change places with him to spare him the misery..
Several symptoms of a fever:
- A child’s normal temperature is between 96.8 to 98.6; however, with a fever it will be over 99.5.
- The skin feels hot and sweaty or possibly hot and dry.
- A red flushed face with hot hands and feet can indicate a fever.
- The child says he feels very hot and also feels chilly with shivers.
- Droopy eyes with no energy and just wanting to sleep.
What should you do?
- When you take your child’s temperature, make sure she or he hasn’t very active, if so make the child rest for a short while before taking his temperature.
- Check the temperature every half hour or so.
If the child has the shivers, this is the body trying to rid itself of heat, place a light blanket over him.
If there is fever:
- Make your child as comfortable as you can, make sure he isn’t wearing too many clothes.
- If the child wants a bath; a lukewarm bath can be cooling. Do not insist if the child doesn’t want a bath.
- Give the child lots of fluids to drink, preferably water or diluted apple juice Try to avoid artificial sweeteners, chemicals and colors.
- Make sure the child is not dehydrating. Signs of dehydration are drowsiness, sleepiness, vomiting or diarrhea for more than 5 hours, dry lips and mouth, and dark and smelly urine.
If the child is dehydrated from vomiting and diarrhea, or his temperature reaches 103 degrees, or has been high for more than 10 hours get medical help immediately! This is also necessary if there are other symptoms present, if he is convulsing, or is younger than 3 months of age.
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