Essential At Home Fever Care Tips To Keep Your Child Healthy
How Do You Lower a Child’s Fever Quickly?
Worried you’re not doing enough to keep your child healthy? You shouldn’t be! We all know the drill: you take it upon yourself to give your child their favorite medicine or buy over-the-counter medication when they need it. But, what are those touches that can truly make the difference? And is the East Mesa family clinic the only place you’ll find the best solution?
Fevers are common among kids, but they can be stopped with a few simple steps. These guidelines will help you take care of your child so that you don’t have to stress about it.
Common Causes Of Fever In Children
Fever is a disease that causes a rise in body temperature. It’s easily relatable to everyone because we all have experienced what it’s like to get a fever before.
Most healthcare specialists call fever a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher if it’s taken rectally.
There are many reasons why the body experiences a fever. Most of the time because the immune system is fighting an infection. When your body reacts to a foreign substance (e.g. bacteria or viruses), it goes into defense mode.
The human body has many ways to keep normal body temperature, and many organs are involved in helping with this process, including the skin and the brain.
But, when there’s a foreign substance in the body, the hypothalamus is activated. It sends signals to the pituitary gland that releases hormones, triggering inflammation. These reactions cause fever, which activates higher brain functions and sweating.
An East Mesa family doctor is usually the best adviser to know what to do during a fever, but keep in mind that you can still do some things at home to keep the fever controlled.
How Do You Know If Your Child Has a Fever?
The higher the temperature, the more uncomfortable it will be for the child. With a body temperature higher than 100.4°F (38°C), your child may experience the following:
- Your child won’t be as active as usual.
- Your child may be less hungry but thirstier.
- Your child may feel confused and tired.
- Your child may feel warm or hot to the touch. They may feel like “burning up”, but the measured temperature is usually not that high.
If your child is younger than 3 months and they have a temperature above 100.4°F (38°C), contact your child’s healthcare provider immediately. Otherwise, you can always contact a specialist for more information if you have doubts about what to do at home.
How Can I Help My Child During A Fever?
Here are some tips to help your child with a fever, especially to keep them calm.
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Observe Your Child
Before contacting the East Mesa family clinic, check how your child’s feeling, especially when walking or playing as usual. Most kids do not feel like playing or running when having a fever, so that may be the first sign to notice.
Also, keep the child home from school or childcare until the temperature goes back to normal.
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Check Temperature
While observing your child, do not forget to check the temperature regularly. Your child may feel very uncomfortable during a fever, but that doesn’t mean the temperature is extremely high.
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Keep Your Child Hydrated
Offer many fluids to avoid dehydration. Remember that your child may not feel hungry, but it’s still important to keep them hydrated.
You can offer water, refreshing juices, or popsicles, although water is the most important liquid to keep fevers at bay.
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Use Safe Medications To Reduce Fever & Pain, As Directed By a Healthcare Professional
You can give ibuprofen or acetaminophen for aches, but only if that’s necessary. Do not give aspirin unless the healthcare specialist tells you to. Aspirin has been linked to a rare illness called Reye syndrome, so do not give it to your kid unless your doctor tells you to.
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Contact An East Mesa Pediatrician As Soon As Possible
The most important thing you should do to take care of your child and yourself is to contact a family doctor. You should speak to your doctor about getting the flu vaccine for you and other family members if necessary, as it is the most common illness related to fevers.
At East Mesa Family Doctors, we can help you solve any concerns you have about your child’s health. We provide many health services to meet the medical needs of your entire family. From basic, primary care, to your more complex healthcare needs.
You can always consider essential at-home fever care tips to keep your child healthy. However, it’s always best to contact family doctors so that you can solve any doubts you have. Contact East Mesa Family Doctors today to schedule your appointment.
Written by:
East Mesa Family Doctors
8035 E. Brown Road, Building 4, #101
Mesa, AZ 85207
Phone: (480) 750-0085
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://eastmesafamilydoctor.com/