![](https://www.caring2u.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/929-1024x683.jpg)
How a Fever occurs
The human body has a thermostat which regulates the body temperature. The normal human body temperature is between 36.5oC – 37.5oC. When there is an infection, various chemicals are released in the body. This resets the thermostat resulting in fever.
Fever Facts
- A temperature above 37.5oC is considered a fever
- Fever is the body’s way to fight an infection
- Fever is not life threatening unless extremely high
- Over-wrapping a child in a hot environment can cause the body temperature to be slightly above normal
- Fever caused by viral infections may persist for up to 1 week
- Children with high fever (>38.5oC) may develop a seizure. This however does not necessary lead to brain damage.
Medications
Medications are able to bring down the temperature by 1-2oC. Do not be alarmed if your child is still having fever after the medication as the effects of the medication can last 4-6 hours upon administration.
PARACETAMOL SYRUP
- First line of treatment for fever
- To be administered 6 hourly if temperature is 37.5-38.5oC
- To be administered 4 hourly if temperature is above 38.5oC
- Do not use in infants less than 3 months old
- Dosage is based on weight, consult a doctor or a pharmacist for the correct dose
IBUPROFEN SYRUP
- To be used if body temperature is persistently above 38.5oC
- Can be used if fever does not respond to Paracetamol
- Do not use in infant less than 6 months old
- Dosage is based on weight, consult a doctor or a pharmacist for the correct dose
- Before taking ibuprofen, inform doctor or pharmacist if the child has any allergies
When to see a doctor?
If the following symptoms are present with a fever:
- The child is less than 6 months old
- The child is feeding poorly, vomiting or lethargic
- The child has breathing difficulties
- The child develops new symptoms such as abdominal pain or rash
- The child develops a seizure
- The fever does not subside in spite of medication treatment
References:
- Fever in children. KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. (2018) (Web accessed September 2018). Web link: www.kkh.com.sg/healthpedia/pages/childhoodillnessesfever.aspx
- Fever in children. Emedicine Health. (2018) (Web accessed September 2018). Web link: www.emedicinehealth.com/fever_in_children/article_em.htm
- Paracetamol. Mims Malaysia. (Web accessed September 2018). Web link: www.mims.com/malaysia/drug/info/paracetamol
- Ibuprofen. Mims Malaysia. (Web accessed September 2018). Web link: www.mims.com/malaysia/patientmedicine/generic/ibuprofen-oral
Latest Health Info
Guys, If You Are Doing This, You Will Lose Your Hair
Men are more prone to hair loss. This is due to the hormone dihydrotestosterone in the body which results in ...
Guys, You Might Be Having This Condition If You Have Weak Urine Stream
Weak urine stream, difficulty starting urinating and needing to pee more frequently. If you have many of the symptoms above, ...
Gastric Issues: ‘I still eat on time, why do I still get it’
Although irregular meal timings are frequently linked to gastric issues, there are a number of other, less well-known risk factors ...