Fever In Children

How a Fever occurs

The human body has a thermostat which regulates the body temperature. The normal human body temperature is between 36.5^oC – 37.5^oC. When there is an infection, various chemicals are released in the body. This resets the thermostat resulting in fever.

Fever Facts

• A temperature above 37.5^oC is considered a fever
• Fever is the body’s way to fight an infection
• Fever is not life threatening unless extremely high
• Over-wrapping a child in a hot environment can cause the body temperature to be slightly above normal
• Fever caused by viral infections may persist for up to 1 week
• Children with high fever (>38.5^oC) may develop a seizure. This however does not necessary lead to brain damage.

Medications

Medications are able to bring down the temperature by 1-2^oC. Do not be alarmed if your child is still having fever after the medication as the effects of the medication can last 4-6 hours upon administration.

PARACETAMOL SYRUP

• First line of treatment for fever
• To be administered 6 hourly if temperature is 37.5-38.5^oC
• To be administered 4 hourly if temperature is above 38.5^oC
• Do not use in infants less than 3 months old
• Dosage is based on weight, consult a doctor or a pharmacist for the correct dose

IBUPROFEN SYRUP

• To be used if body temperature is persistently above 38.5^oC
• Can be used if fever does not respond to Paracetamol
• Do not use in infant less than 6 months old
• Dosage is based on weight, consult a doctor or a pharmacist for the correct dose
• Before taking ibuprofen, inform doctor or pharmacist if the child has any allergies

When to see a doctor?

If the following symptoms are present with a fever:

• The child is less than 6 months old
• The child is feeding poorly, vomiting or lethargic
• The child has breathing difficulties
• The child develops new symptoms such as abdominal pain or rash
• The child develops a seizure
• The fever does not subside in spite of medication treatment