When your child is miserable with a fever, you want to do everything in your power to make it go away. In actuality, your child's fever is just a symptom of an underlying problem (such as a virus or infection) and his body's way of trying to quickly oust the invading problem. As a result, fevers don't generally require additional medical treatment. However, there are some things you can do to help keep your child comfortable as his body fights the good fight.
Keep Her Cool
Dress your child in breathable, light clothing and keep her room a comfortable temperature. She will likely feel shaky and cold due to the difference in temperature between her own body and her environment. If she asks for a blanket or extra clothing, offer her a sheet or thin blanket but don't wrap her in anything thick or her body may overheat. Also offer her a lukewarm soak or sponge bath. Don't make the water too cool, because shivering will raise her body temperature. Also don't use alcohol to cool her skin because it can poison her body.
Offer Fluids
Your child's fever may cause him to become dehydrated, so offer him a variety of fluids such as water, chicken broth or ice pops to replenish his body. He may also benefit from drinking an over-the-counter electrolyte solution for children if he has diarrhea or is vomiting. Avoid giving him any caffeinated beverages or sugary sports drinks.
Rest
Your child's body needs to rest in order to allot more energy to healing itself. She doesn't necessarily need to stay in bed for extended periods of time, but she should stick to gentle activities. KidsHealth online recommends that children with fevers stay home from school or daycare and only return after their temperature has remained at a normal level for 24 hours.
Medicine
If your child's temperature is over 102 degrees Fahrenheit, his pediatrician may recommend that you offer him a fever-reducing medicine such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Read the medicine label carefully and give him only the amount appropriate for a child his age. Frequent, long-term use of acetaminophen can cause damage to the liver and kidneys and can potentially be fatal.
When to Seek Help
If your child is under three months old and she has a temperature of 100.4 or higher, BabyCenter online says to call the doctor; young infants are highly vulnerable to disease and infection. If your child is older, a fever may indicate additional health problems that should be assessed. For example, ear pain may indicate an ear infection, and trouble urinating may indicate a urinary tract infection. Moreover, if your child seems unresponsive, pale, and sicker than he normally is when he has a cold or flu, see a doctor. Finally, call a doctor if his fever doesn't respond to medicine or if his fever lasts for longer than two days.
