Nov 11 2007
Dos and don’ts for treating your child’s fever
(NC)-In celebration of its 50th anniversary, Children’s Tylenol offers some hot tips to help cool your child down when he has a fever:
. Dress your child in loose, lightweight cotton clothing. Use only a sheet or light blanket for covering. Bundling a baby to “burn out” a fever can cause the fever to rise even higher.
. Keep your child’s room cool (between 19 and 21°C or 67 and 69°F).
. Provide a reliable fever reducing medication such as Children’s Tylenol. Always follow dosing instructions on the product label carefully.
. Make sure to provide plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, especially if the child is vomiting or has diarrhea. Electrolyte drinks are particularly beneficial.
. Sometimes a supervised splash in a comforting lukewarm bathtub will help to cool a hot child down. But if it makes them unhappy, then it’s probably not worth the effort.
What not to do:
. Never give your child acetylsalicylic acid, or ASA. ASA has been linked to Reye’s Syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal illness.
. Never give your child an alcohol sponge bath. The alcohol can be absorbed through the skin and can lead to more severe complications.
. Never follow the old wives tale about “starving a fever.” Your child needs plenty of calories and liquids to cope with an illness.
For many children, fevers are just a fact of life. Fevers are normal responses as a child’s body strives to “fight off” an infection. Most fevers will pass within a day or so of onset and the child will be none the worse for wear; however, it is important to watch any accompanying symptoms carefully and call your doctor if you are concerned.
Credit: www.newscanada.com
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