Brought to you by Irish Life Health.
It’s the body’s natural way of battling the bacteria and viruses that cause infections, but a high temperature can be a worrying symptom in itself if you’re a parent.
Categorised as a fever when it hits 38C (100.4F) or above, it’s actually very common for a child to run a high temperature and it’s usually a sign they may be coming down with a respiratory tract infection, tonsillitis or an ear infection.
To find out if your child has a fever, place a thermometer under their armpit or use a special ear thermometer.
If it’s running high and the child is uncomfortable, the HSE recommends using an over-the-counter painkiller. Babies aged between two and three months old can have children’s liquid paracetamol, as long as they weigh over 4kg (9lb) and weren’t born prematurely. Babies over three months can have children’s ibuprofen, but do read the label carefully.
Always seek medical attention if the fever is accompanied by a rash or vomiting, grunting, a weak or high-pitched continuous cry, difficulty waking up, a moderate or severe chest in-drawing or a bulging fontanelle (the squashy part of a child’s forehead).
Here are four other things to try while you wait it out:
Offer a frozen treat
Even if they’re refusing to eat anything else, sometimes an ill child will make an exception for a refreshing fruit ice pop or a bowl of their favourite ice cream.
Make a cold compress
Soak a face cloth in iced water, wring out and place on the child’s forehead. Dunk the cloth back into the water as soon as it begins to warm up. You can also place a second compress on the child’s wrists or ankles.
Keep them hydrated
Children can become dehydrated surprisingly fast so make sure they are taking a sip of cold water every 15 minutes or so, even if they initially refuse it. Breast milk and formula are fine too and will help increase their fluid levels.
Find a fan
Change your child into light clothing (swap heavy pyjamas for shorts and a loose t-shirt) and place an electric fan in the room (but not too close). Open a window and allow the cool air to circulate.
If you still can’t get your baby’s temperature down, as an Irish Life Health member you can get advice from a real GP at anytime with Digital Doctor.
The great thing about Irish Life Health’s Digital Doctor is that you’re actually chatting to a real GP, who you can access from home, from work or even when you’re abroad. This service is available to new and renewing Irish Life Health members.
Irish Life Health dac is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
