Fever

When a person's body temperature is too hot, we say he has a fever. Fever itself is not a sickness, but a sign of many different sicknesses. However, high fever can be dangerous, especially in a small child.

When a person has a fever:

1. Uncover him completely. Small children should be undressed completely and left naked until the fever goes down.

Never wrap the child in clothing or blankets. To wrap up a child with fever is dangerous.

Fresh air or a breeze will not harm a person with fever. On the contrary, a fresh breeze helps lower the fever.

2. Also take aspirin to lower fever.

For small children, it is safer to give acetaminophen (paracetamol). Be careful not to give too much.

3. Anyone who has a fever should drink lots of water, juices, or other liquids. For small children, especially babies, drinking water should be boiled first (and then cooled). Make sure the child passes urine regularly. If she does not pass much urine, or the urine is dark, give a lot more water.

4. When possible, find and treat the cause of the fever.

Very High Fevers

A very high fever can be dangerous if it is not brought down soon. It can cause fits (convulsions) or even permanent brain damage (paralysis, mental slowness, epilepsy, etc.). High fever is most dangerous for small children.

When a fever goes very high (over 40°), it must be lowered at once:

1. Put the person in a cool place.

2. Remove all clothing.

3. Fan them.

4. Pour cool (not cold) water over him, or put cloths soaked in cool water on his chest and forehead. Fan the cloths and change them often to keep them cool. Continue to do this until the fever goes down (below 38°).

5. Give him plenty of cool (not cold) water to drink.

6. Give a medicine to bring down fever. Aspirin or acetaminophen works well.

Dosage for acetaminophen or aspirin (using 300 mg. adult tablets): Persons over 12 years: 2 tablets every 4 hours Children 6 to 12 years: 1 tablet every 4 hours Children 3 to 6 years: 1/2 tablet every 4 hours Children under 3 years: 1/4 tablet every 4 hours

Note: Acetaminophen is safer than aspirin for a child under 12 years old who has a cold, flu, or chickenpox.

If a person with fever cannot swallow the tablets, grind them up, mix the powder with some water, and put it up the anus as an enema or with a syringe without the needle.

If a high fever does not go down soon, or if fits (convulsions) begin, continue cooling with water and seek medical help at once.