fevers

Fevers

A fever is a body’s natural response to fighting an infection or illness. A person’s normal body temperature is set at 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, temperatures can fluctuate as children play or run around, or at different parts of the day.

How high is too high?
The best guess for this is to go with your gut instinct. Parents should always listen to their voice inside them and seek the help of a doctor in any circumstance they are not sure about. Most experts agree that medical help should be sought if a child has a fever higher than 104 degrees Fahrenheit, or an infant 3 months or younger has a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher. Fevers are almost always a sign of another underlying illness, especially high fevers, so it is recommended that you consult your pediatrician anytime your child has a fever. In rare cases, a quickly rising temperature may cause a seizure. If this happens, consult your doctor.

Ways of taking temperature:

There are many different ways of taking your child’s temperature. Digital thermometers usually provide the quickest and most accurate readings. These are available at most supermarkets and pharmacies. Electronic ear thermometers are quick, accurate, and easy to use in older children, but are expensive and aren’t as accurate for younger children. Plastic strip thermometers are usually inaccurate for telling an exact temperature, although they will let you know whether or not your child has a fever. Pacifier thermometers are usually inaccurate, and therefore not suggested. Glass mercury thermometers should no longer be used because of possible exposure to mercury.

Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are a normal part of any person’s life. But as with a fever, too much vomiting can also be dangerous.

Infants under 1 year:

·	Avoid giving plain water, unless directed by a doctor

·	Consult your pediatrician for specific advice

Children 1 and older

·	Give clear liquids in small amounts every 15 minutes. Some things that are acceptable are ice chips or sips of water, flavored electrolyte solutions, such as Gatorade, or frozen electrolyte popsicles.

·	Avoid milk and milk products

·	If your child vomits, start over with offering a smaller amount of fluid.

·	Do not force food. Allow your child to eat as he or she desires.

·	Offer your child mild foods such as soups, crackers, toast, mashed potatoes, rice, or breads.

·	Call your doctor immediately if your child shows any signs of dehydration as listed earlier.

·	Also call immediately if your child is vomiting blood, (blood that mixes with stomach acid will be brownish and look like coffee grounds) or vomiting seems to be induced without any other normal symptoms that would accompany normal illness or the flu.