What
you can do yourself
(aged
over 16 years)
YOU
MUST DRINK A LOT DURING A FEVER. You will
lose more fluid. Make sure the ill person has enough
safe water to drink.
Keep the room at a comfortable temperature.
Sponge the body with lukewarm water. This makes
you feel more comfortable.
If you have a thermometer, use it. Place it under
the armpit or in the mouth. If you do not have a
thermometer use the backs of your knuckles and compare
the temperature with your own forehead.
Aspirin is more effective in reducing a temperature
than Paracetamol. (See the Medicines section for
dosage guidelines). Do not give Aspirin to children
under 16 years of age. Do not take Aspirin or Ibuprofen
if you are allergic to them.
Children (16 years and below)
If your child has a fever then watch carefully for
any further symptoms.
If your child is not at all its normal self, then
give Paracetamol or Ibuprofen. Use twice the usually
recommended children's dose if necessary for a maximum
of 48 hours.
Contact a doctor
If fever comes back after a few days of feeling
normal.
If fever does not go away within three days, and
you do not know why you have the fever.
If you feel listless. n If you have been to the
tropics or a very hot country recently.
Children (16 years and below)
If the child's fever returns after two days, and
the child becomes unwell again.
If the child is confused or drowsy, whatever its
temperature.
If the child is vomiting (being sick) all the time.
If you think the child is in pain.
If the child is short of breath.
Babies
If the soft spot on top of your baby's head (fontanelle)
is tight or bulging.
If your baby moans when you lift its legs to change
a dirty nappy.
If the baby is being very sick (not just posseting).
If your baby is not drinking much.
If your baby gets diarrhoea.
If your baby has a fit or convulsion.
If your baby has a fever which does not go away
after two days. Speak to a doctor about this, even
if the baby seems to be normal and is drinking enough.
Contact a doctor
immediately
If you have a temperature of over 40 degrees C (104
degrees F).
If you have a very stiff neck or vomiting. You may
have a headache that does not go away as well and
you may feel listless. (You have a stiff neck when
you cannot bend the head forwards.)
If adults have a rash.
Children (16 years and below)
If your child feels very listless or appears to
flop about, even if there is no fever or a low fever,
your child could be very ill.
If your child shows any signs of neck cramp or pain
when bending the head, or vomits all the time.
Febrile convulsion
A fever that rises quickly may bring about a fever/temperature
fit. This is called a febrile convulsion.
STAY WITH YOUR CHILD. Keep calm. The fit
will usually only last for a few minutes.
Your child will not be able to talk and will have
muscle spasms. Your child's eyes will be rolling.
After the fit your child will naturally go to sleep.
Your child's breathing will be normal. (If your
child is unconscious, breathing will be loud and
very heavy.)
Gently place your child on its side or stomach,
with the head down and to one side.
Contact a doctor
for advice
Following a fit it is sometimes appropriate for
your child to be admitted to hospital for observation
and further treatment if necessary.
