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| Illustration of a child having a fever up and down. copyright shutterstock.com |
Did you know that when a child has a fever going up and down is natural, so there's no need to panic first? It's normal for every parent to panic when their child is sick, but there are some symptoms you don't need to worry about and can be treated at home.
According to babycentre.co.uk, when a child has a fluctuating fever, Friends can check the child's condition first. If the child feels comfortable and is not bothered by fever symptoms, make sure not to give paracetamol or ibuprofen first. Fever is considered to be able to help the body to fight the index that occurs, so there is no need to reduce it unless the child feels uncomfortable with the fever he is suffering from.
However, if the child feels unwell, then Friends will give paracetamol or ibuprofen according to the recommended dosage. If you are not sure, Friends can ask the doctor or pharmacist regarding the dosage and time to give medicine to children. Also,, remember not to give aspirin because it is not safe for your little one.
Friends must remember that you should never wipe your child's body with cold water. Although this can cool your little one's body, it can cause the inside of the body to retain more heat, making the fever worse.
Reporting from various sources, here are 4 tips that can be done when a child has a fluctuating fever.
1. Make sure the child drinks lots of fluids
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| Illustration of a mother giving water to a child who has a fever. Credits: pexels.com by Andrea Piacquadio. |
Children who have a fever are more at risk of becoming dehydrated, so make sure your little one drinks lots of water. If a Friend is breastfeeding, offer additional food. If not, Friends can give milk to the children.
In addition, fruit juice can also be a dehydrator for children with a fever, make sure not to give your child fizzy drinks when he has a fever.
2. Do not force children to eat
If the child has an unstable fever, do not force the child to eat, but offer food if the child wants it. Soup can be a good diet because it can maintain fluids in your little one's body.
3. Let the child rest
If the child doesn't want to rest, let it be, but if the child wants to rest, just let it be. When sick, don't set the child's location to rest because it will only make him feel uncomfortable, especially when the child doesn't want to rest in bed.
4. Dress normally
Often when a child is sick, parents cover the child's body with layers of clothing. This is certainly wrong because it can make children feel hot. Therefore, make sure not to wrap children in layers of clothing, but keep their bodies covered and comfortable.
Check the temperature regularly, especially at night to make sure the child's heat doesn't get worse.
When to Take Children to the Doctor?
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| Illustration of a lethargic child because of the fever he has. Credits: pexels.com by MART PRODUCTION. |
Taking a child to the doctor is the last option parents can make if their child's heat doesn't go away within 24 hours. Taking a child to a doctor can make it easier for parents to find out what disease their child is experiencing.
Reporting to medicalnewstoday.com, if a child has a fever accompanied by unusual symptoms, immediately take the child to the doctor to get medical treatment. The signs to watch out for, such as:
- If a child under 3 months has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
- If the child is 3-6 months old and has a temperature of 102.2°F (39°C) or higher.
- Have a fever that lasts more than 5 days.
- Have other signs of illness such as a rash.
- Have signs of dehydration, such as sunken eyes, lack of tears when crying, or diapers that are not too wet.
- No appetite and looks unhealthy.