this is from a fact sheet from the royal childrens hospital, hope it helps
Fever in children
•Fever is when the temperature of the body rises to above 38?C. A normal temperature range for a child is usually up to 38?C.
•Fever is a sign of infection in the body. Fever is often caused by a virus and sometimes by bacteria. Viral infections are far more common and do not need antibiotics. Antibiotics do not cure viruses. Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics.
•A high fever does not necessarily mean your child has a serious illness. Fever itself is not harmful until it reaches 42.0?.
•There is no advantage to lowering your child's fever except for comfort.
•Treat your child by making them more comfortable; give clear fluids (eg. water, diluted fruit juice) and paracetamol if the fever is making your child miserable.
•Fever is a way the body fights infection, and your child's temperature will return to normal when the infection has completely gone.
See your doctor if your child has the following symptoms with their fever.
•Complaining of a stiff neck or light hurting their eyes.
•Vomiting and refusing to drink much.
•Rash.
•More sleepy than usual.
•Problems with breathing.
•If your child is in pain.
Also see your doctor if:
•Your child is under three months and has a fever.
•Your child's fever is above 40?C.
Treat your child at home by making them more comfortable.
•Dress your child in enough clothing so that they are not shivering.
•Tepid sponging (sponging with slightly warm water) and fanning children with fevers is not recommended.
•Give your child frequent small drinks of clear fluid (eg. water, diluted fruit juice or cordial). If your child is less than six months old give extra cooled boiled water, breast feeds, or bottles.
•Do not worry if your child refuses to eat at this time.
•Watch your child for signs that their illness is getting worse.
About paracetamol
•Paracetamol is also known as Panadol, Tempra, Dymadon and Tylenol.
•If your child seems well and is happy, there is no need to treat a fever with paracetamol.
•If the fever is above 38.5?C and your child is miserable or has other symptoms such as a sore throat, they may be given paracetamol. Follow the correct dose on the medicine instructions.
•Panadol may not make the fever go away but the aid is to make the child feel better.
•Paracetamol is a common ingredient in a number of medicines for illnesses such as colds and flu. Make sure that when giving paracetamol for fever that your child has not had one of these cold and flu medicines in the last 4 hours.
•Paracetamol can be given every four hours as directed on the bottle. No more than four doses should be given in each 24 hours. Do not give for more than 2 days without seeing your doctor
when sophie was sick recently i only really got worried when she got over 40, she had nurofen for comfort, i hope its just a virus and she gets better soon
Well we didn't end up going to the Dr yesterday bc by then she was much better. Temp was down and she was happy and ate dinner so we thought she was over it. Then she woke up at 12 last night very hot and upset, gave her some panadol so she could get back to sleep. Temp seems to be on its way back up this morning so I will take her to the Dr today. She is asleep on my lap now after only being up for an hr.
It is probably just a virus that will work itself through her system of its own accord but better to be safe and get the Dr to see her. They do tend to get worse during the night and then perk up during the day for some reason. Also she will probably be bouncing around and happy as anything when you take her into the Dr!
LOL Nai, we just got back from the Dr, she was bouncing up and down on my knees and yelling.
Dr checked her over and her ears throat, lungs, etc are fine so he said it's a virus and to just give her panadol. Said we could bring her back tomorrow if she's still sick if we wanted her checked before the weekend. He was such a nice Dr! Couldn't get into my usual Dr but I will be going to him again! And he bulk billed me too.
HAB is back in action now, she just wants cuddles so she gets special treatment, lol
So the temp lasted 3 days and then she broke out in a rash all over her tummy and back and up behind her ears. Mum reckons it is German Measles
Was going to take her to the Dr again today but this morning we woke up and the rash was suddenly gone (lasted 3 days). She is still very cranky though, she never really cries but has been getting upset. Very clingy and sooky and tired after only being up for 1-1.5 hrs. She's usually up for 2-2.5 hrs. Nothing else is wrong though, no temp, should I take her back to the Dr??
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so I will take her to the Dr today. She is asleep on my lap now after only being up for an hr.
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