Melbourne Holistic Health Group

Published in Articles - Children's health on 06 September 2011 by Melbourne Holistic Health Group

Fever in children is common and occurs usually as a result of a viral infection and sometimes a bacterial infection. The body’s way of fighting an infection is an increase in temperature and a fever is defined as a temperature in excess of 38°C.

To take a child’s temperature, place the thermometer under the arm and follow the instructions to get an accurate reading for the particular thermometer you are using. You can put the thermometer under the tongue in older children or use a digital ear thermometer. If your child is under 3 months and has a fever above 38º C, seek medical advice.

Caring for a sick child with a fever can be trying and stressful and parents are often confused about if and when medication is required. Paracetamol is often given by parents in the hope of reducing fever and reducing the risk of febrile convulsions. However, paracetamol is not indicated for fever alone and may not, in fact, reduce the fever. Neither does it reduce febrile convulsions, which generally occur with a rapid increase in temperature, usually at the onset of illness.1  

The Royal Children’s Hospital advises using paracetamol if the fever is above 38.5°C and the child is miserable. Symptoms indicating that a dose of paracetamol might be indicated for a child include sore throat, aching, headaches and the general discomfort caused by mild acute infections.

The mainstay of fever management in children is home care. The following advice has been adapted from the Royal Children’s Hospital: 

Make your child comfortable. They should be dressed in enough clothing so that they are not shivering.

• Prevent dehydration by giving small frequent drinks of clear fluid, such as water, diluted fruit juice or diluted cordial.

• Use paracetamol if the fever is above 38.5°C and the child is uncomfortable. Give paracetamol as directed on the bottle and ensure that no other medicines containing paracetamol have been given. Never exceed the recommended doses and never give for more than two days without seeking professional advice.

• Watch your child for signs that they may be getting worse and seek medical advice if they show signs of any of the following with their fever:

                    - a stiff neck or sensitivity to light
                    - vomiting and not wanting to drink
                    - rash
                    - more sleepy than usual
                    - breathing trouble
                    - pain

Also seek advice if
                    - your child is getting worse (they look more sick than earlier)
                    - they have not improved in 48 hours
                    - your child is under 3 months and has a fever above 38ºC

Your naturopath can help your child fight infection, to reduce the duration and severity of common colds and flus, and reduce the frequency of infections.

1. Shann, F. 1995, ‘Paracetamol: use in children’, Aust Prescr, Vol 18, pp.33-5. 

 

Other articles on children's health include:

• Feeding infants and toddlers
• Impact of fish oils on learning and behaviour in children
• Could your child have a dairy allergy or intolerance?
• Children friendly healthy recipes