If your child has a fever: • First, dress her lightly. Most heat is lost through the body's surface. If you bundle your child up, it will cause a higher fever. Also provide extra fluids, since they're lost during setting. This is all the treatment that's necessary for children with fevers between 100° and 102°. • Second, give your child acetaminophen if the fever is over 102° or if your child is uncomfortable from the fever. Acetaminophen usually reduces the fever by one and a half to two degrees. It doesn't bring the temperature down to normal. If your child is sleeping, don't awaken her for the medicine. • Third, never give aspirin for fever. Aspirin has been linked to Reyes Syndrome, a severe, encephalitis-like illness. Aspirin should be avoided until age 21. Be sure to tell your teenager, since they tend to self-medicate. • Fourth, sponge your child if she remains uncomfortable after receiving acetaminophen. Sponging doesn't work unless your child also receives medicine. Use lukewarm water and keep the skin wet. As the water evaporates, it will carry away heat. One final warning, if you sponge, don't add rubbing alcohol. It can cause a coma.
|
