Having Kids Check For Fevers is Important

The normal body temperature in humans might vary slightly, but it does remain approximately 98.6°F. Temperature, if taken rectally will be 1°F higher. Hence doctors consider a body temperature of 99.4°F as fever when the temperature is taken orally. If it is taken rectally then fever is considered to be had at 100.4°F. Infants and children under four years of age have their temperature taken rectally. Children above four years of age have their temperature checked orally. If an infant has fever above 100.5°F or if the child is above three years old and has a body temperature above 102°F then under both these circumstances they should be rushed to the hospital immediately.

Both digital and mercury thermometers are available in the market. Digital thermometers are advisable as they are more accurate as compared to mercury thermometers. Also mercury thermometers are toxic and pose a health risk to the family. Before and during the time of taking the children's body temperature, parents must take care of few things. Firstly, the parent must know what kind of thermometer he or she wants to use and whether that thermometer is meant for use orally or rectally. Before the child's body temperature is checked, the parent must ensure to see to it that the child is not bundled up very tightly. The whole procedure of taking the temperature of the child should be closely monitored by the parents. Before inserting the thermometer into the infant's rectum, its tip should be covered with petroleum jelly, as the infant might experience pain during the process. Also only half of the length of the thermometer should be inserted. Children drop the thermometer and so it should be removed as soon as the temperature is taken. After use the thermometer should be washed with cold water and soap.

The body becomes feverish when it is fighting off an infection. When the child aches in different parts of the body and becomes fussy, the child should be given medicines then only. Depending on the child's needs, age and weight medicines for children are available. Before giving any medicines to the child the parents should check the recommended dosage chart on the pack of the medicine. The doctor should be consulted immediately if there is any confusion. Some over the counter medicines for children are Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, and Tylenol. Acetaminophen given just before a warm bath helps decrease fever. No alcohol products should be used while bathing. The child might begin to shiver and the body temperature might increase if child is given bath without Acetaminophen.

One medicine that is not advisable for children is Aspirin as it may cause Reye's syndrome in the child. In children having chicken pox or flu not more than five doses should be administered within twenty four hours. Infants less than four months of age should not be administered any medicine at all unless advised by the physician. A cap like measuring device should be used along with the liquid medicine. If you don't get the device with the medicine you can get it at any medicine store. The dropper should be filled till the marked line and then drops should be administered.

Symptoms like dry mouth, rapid body temperature change, ear ache, behavioral changes, frequent diarrhea and vomiting, paleness, seizures, skin rashes, intense headaches, sore throat, swollen joints, irritability, high pitch crying, not feeling hungry, stiff neck, stomach ache, whimpering, wheezing, limpness, and breathing problems need the doctor's immediate attention. The child must be made to wear comfortable cottons to let the body breathe and he should be given fluids constantly to combat dehydration.

sensations