Guide to managing CHILDREN'S FEVER

Please advise how to manage children's fever, including safe medication dosage, home remedies, and when to seek medical advice.

- By DR. PRIYA SHIVALLI

Sunita Mahajan, Delhi

— Sunita Mahajan, Delhi Fever is not a disease — it is the body’s defence against infection. Most fevers are viral and self-limiting, but parents must know how to manage them safely at home. Here are some guidelines: Use a digital thermometer to measure body temperature. Avoid mercury thermometers. A temperature above 100.4°F (38°C) indicates onset of fever.

Dress children lightly, keep the room airy, and give them plenty of fluids like water, coconut water, buttermilk.

If the fever is high, use a sponge with lukewarm water (28-30°C). Do not use cold water or ice.

Children suffer appetite loss during a fever, so provide soft, easy-to-digest meals, but prioritize hydration. To bring a fever down, the dosage below is a general

guideline. However, please note that a fever needs to be evaluated along with other symptoms. A paediatrician is best qualified to make a diagnosis. Paracetamol is the safest first option. Correct dose: 15 mg/kg every 4-6 hours (max 60 mg/ body weight kg/ day).

Ibuprofen may be given to children above six months at 10 mg/kg every 8 hours (provided they aren’t suffering from asthma, stomach, or kidney ailments).

Avoid aspirin, nimesulide, or mefenamic acid. Always check the dose with your paediatrician. Seek professional medical care urgently if you notice:

Fever in infants aged below three months. Fever above 104°F (40°C) or lasting more than 3 days. Child is very drowsy, irritable, or has seizures. Is experiencing breathing difficulty, fast breathing, or chest retractions. Poor apetite, persistent vomiting, signs of dehydration (dry mouth, no urine for more than six hours). Is suffering rash with fever, stiff neck with severe headache.