step-by-step medical advice
Use this handy checklist to determine fever
and cope with an emergency.
NORMAL TEMPERATURE: 36ºC - 37ºC/96.8ºF - 98.6ºF
LOW-GRADE FEVER: 37.5ºC - 38.2ºC/99.5ºF - 100.8ºF
HIGH-GRADE FEVER: Above 38.2ºC/100.8ºF
1. To take a baby's temperature, use a standard thermometer. Place the bulbous end under the baby's armpit and close. Always adding 0.6ºC/1ºF to the reading. Alternatively, use an aural thermometer in the ear. Never place a glass thermometer in a baby's mouth.
2. A low-grade fever can usually be reduced with over-the-counter medication and rest, while a high-grade fever requires a visit to your doctor or the emergency department of your nearest hospital.
3. To bring down a fever remove clothes, give cold drinks, place a cold flannel on the forehead and medicate with paracetamol - if your child is more than two months of age. If the fever doesn't subside and the child is over six months of age or the sick person is an adult, administer the recommended dose of ibuprofen as well and repeat both paracetamol and ibuprofen every four to six hours. Always read the guidelines on the packaging.
4. Infants and children may tolerate low-grade fever well. They often respond to fuids and comfort and may not need medication. As a precaution, infants less than six months of age with both low-grade and high-grade fevers should checked by a doctor.
5. If your child becomes overheated, he or she may have a febrile convulsion - common in a tropical climate. Febrile convulsions usually last for less than five minutes. Although frightening, they are not often serious and are not an indication of future epilepsy. Avoid convulsions by reducing your child's fever (following the steps here).
Should a convulsion occur:
Remove excess clothing.
Reduce body temperature by sponging with tepid water.
Surround your child with soft objects - such as pillows - to prevent injury.
Once the seizure has finished, place your child in the recovery position - they may fall asleep soon afterwards.
Call your doctor for an appointment, or - if the seizure lasts for more than five minutes - telephone for an ambulance.
Information courtesy of The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, www.racgp.org.au and IMC, www.imc-healthcare.com
Posted May 2011
