MediArticles

Liquids

A child with a high temperature needs more liquid than usual, because the fever will make them sweat a lot.

Make sure your child drinks plenty of liquids – a teaspoonful every few minutes, if necessary. Provided they drink plenty of liquids, it won’t matter too much if they eat very little for a couple of days.

Rest

A child with a high temperature also needs rest and sleep. They do not have to be in bed all day if they feel like playing, but they must have the opportunity to lie down.

Body temperature

You do not sweat out a fever. If your child shivers while their temperature is rising, it’s okay to cover them with a duvet or a blanket. But as soon as your child’s temperature has stabilised and he or she starts sweating, they need to cool down.

Your child only needs to wear underwear or a nappy, which will help the heat escape from the body. Make sure their room is ventilated and cool, but not draughty.

Medicines

If you want to use medication to get the temperature down, ask your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to tell you what to use and how much. The dosage will depend on both the age and weight of your child.

Paracetamol suspension (eg Calpol) is the usual choice and ibuprofen (eg Nurofen for children) is an alternative. Aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years of age.

Attention

Sick children are often tired and bad-tempered. They sleep a lot and when they are awake; they want their parents around all the time. They might whine and act younger than their age.

It is okay to give in and spoil a child a little when they are sick. Read to them, play with them and spend time with them. This is not the time to teach a child good manners.

A child usually recovers quickly and will go back to their old self again.