Children often get a high temperature (a fever) when they are poorly. If the child’s temperature is above 37.5 degrees centigrade (or if you don’t have a thermometer but you think your child has a temperature), try to lower it as follows:
- Make the room cooler by turning off the fire and opening the window.
- Take off the child’s warm clothing.
- If your child is in bed only a sheet is needed while the child is hot.
- Give plenty of cool drinks.
- Some children find sponging with tepid (cool but not cold) water soothing.
- If your child still feels hot, or is miserable, give Paracetamol. Give the higher but correct dose as prescribed on the packet. Repeat every four hours if necessary to a maximum of four doses in 24 hours.
- If your child does not improve after taking Paracetamol, contact the doctor.
- You will not make your child worse if you take him/her in a pram or car to see the doctor. Sometimes the fresh air makes feverish children feel better.