Check temperature
• A fever is a body temperature that is above 100.4°F (38°C). See pp.68 and 70 for advice on the different ways of measuring a temperature.
• If you or your child develops a fever, look at the charts on pp.74 and 76 to check whether medical
help is required or whether the cause can be treated at home.
Relieve fever
• Drink plenty of cool fluids.
• Reduce temperature and relieve discomfort with an over-the-counter analgesic such as acetaminophen.
• Give babies over 3 months of age and children under 12 years liquid acetaminophen (not aspirin).
• Cool young children by removing most of their clothing, wiping them with a washcloth moistened
with tepid water, and fanning them, but do not let them get too cold.
• Children under 5 years old are susceptible to febrile seizures (p.43) if they have a high fever
and should be watched very closely.
• If you have a fever or are suffering from vomiting and diarrhea, drink plenty of fluids every 1–2 hours, such as diluted orange juice, weak sweetened tea, or an over-the-counter rehydration solution, which contains essential minerals and glucose.
• Do not give milk to adults, children, or bottle-fed babies if they are suffering from diarrhea or vomiting.
• If a breastfed baby is affected, continue to breastfeed and offer the baby extra fluids.
• Fill a bowl or basin with hot water and lean over it with a towel pulled over your head. Breathe deeply.
• Alternative methods are to rub a vapor ointment on the chest or to use decongestant capsules that are filled with menthol and other strong-smelling oils.
Important
• Do not give steam inhalation treatment to young children.
• Older children should undergo steam inhalation treatment only if supervised
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