There are many do’s and don’ts that parents need to keep in mind while they worry how to take care of their kids suffering from fever. Small details too need to be taken care of besides medicines. Here is a list of few do’s and don’ts that you must keep in mind
Do’s
- As fever sweats can dehydrate a child, so offer lots of water (or, for vomiting and diarrhea, an electrolyte drink).
- If the kid is under six months of age, breast feed more often.
- Keep a check on the rashes too on the body.
- For children over the age of one year of age, use either an ear thermometer or an oral digital thermometer.
- Make sure the thermometer is clean. Wash it with soap and water
- Dress your child in light, cotton clothing as overdressing and using too much bedding can raise his core temperature even more.
- Do encourage your child to rest. Running around can raise his temperature.
- Do not send to school or daycare.
- Focus on the child and not the number on the thermometer.
- Give medicines as per the recommendations on the package and your baby’s weight and age.
Don’ts
- Do not give fever medication unless advised by the pediatrician, especially to baby less than two months.
- Do not use rubbing alcohol as a remedy to lower the body’s temperature.
- Do not starve the fever. Allow your kid to eat what he likes as it provides energy to fight.
- Do not over medicate on fever medication.
- Avoid overdressing the kid
- For babies of 3 to 12 months age, the fever lasts more than 24 hours and for kids between 1 to 2 years, if it hasn’t improved since two days, you must see a doctor.
