Just wondering if someone can give me guidelines for a fever? The digital thermometer has guidelines but not what should be done iykwim.....
What is high and panadol should be given?
When is it time to go to the Dr?
When is it high but no need to give anything?
Izzys temp has been a bit up and down for the last 24 hours - its 37.2 right now and after panadol was down to 35 and 34.8 overnight.
TIA
Panadol can be given at this age and it helps with reducing the temp.
I would go once it reaches 38 as that is what they class as high below that they don't seem to worry.
Sorry Izzy is sick..
Give panadol if she is miserable, or just looks uncomfy..as Michelle said Panadol can be given at any stage. Remember that paracetamol is primarily a pain reliever, and although is does help to reduce fever it is for relieving pain so that should be the main purpose you give it for (ie. she looks miserable associated with the fever). Some babies can have a fever and still be quite happy, in that case panadol would probably not be necessary..get me??!
Look out for other symptoms as well, not just the fever, as they are the key in what treatment should be given.
I'd also be a bit careful with the readings your thermometer is giving, as 34.8 sounds very cold! I would definitely question that.
I'm sure you have a health info help line over there, maybe give them a call. (In WA it's called Health Direct, is it different over there?) or then see your GP for some advice and a chat.
There are some nasty things going around isn't there. Hope she gets better quickly..
I think the highest it went was 37.8 last night and i gave her panadol before bed and it dropped right down over night. She is feeding as usual today- maybe a little more frequently over the last few days though, not girzzly at all, lots of wet heavy nappies, chest is warm not hot. I think I will just keep an eye on it and maybe give her some panadol if it goes over 38.
She has been having red cheeks on and off over the last few days too so I wonder if she might be having some teeth move around a little.
Thanks ladies!
Posted at the same time Lee sorry - I thought 34 and 35 was quite low last night - its a brand new Braun digital ear thermomenter - not cheap so I would be annoyed if its recording the wrong temp. Might keep an eye on that too!
Last edited by Beach Mama; August 21st, 2007 at 11:57 AM.
Would def be giving paracetemol once temp over 38. Baby temp should range roughly from 36.5-37.5 under the arm. Is best on babies just to use a digital therm placed under the arm. They may take a few minutes but are actually more accurate cause sometimes the ear ones are too big to fit in their little ears to give an accurate reading. Hope Izzy feels better soon :-) (anything under 36.5 means they are tooo cold and need an extra wrap) Good luck!
Thanks for all the advice ladies!
I did take a blanket off last night because I was worried about her overheating with the fever so might put it back on tonight. I might use the under arm one during the day - I like the ear one at night because I dont have to wake her - although when I went in a 2am (set my alarm!!) she was awake and then I had to feed her after she smiled at me and I tried to sneak back out! No chance! Normally she will go through for 11 hours - she obviously does wake but falls back asleep again!
Tan ~ Eleanor used to sleep for 11-12hrs up until last week. I would get Izzy checked by your Dr as Eleanor had a flemy cough and 4days later she has a viral infection and the Dr's didn't pick it up until i took her to the hospital because of the high temp she had hers was 39.5 at the time.
It's strange that the ear ones don't seem to read right in small ears but that is always what the GP uses and the Dr's at the hospital used.
Thanks Michelle - her temps back to 36 now and shes been happy all day so not sure what to do - will jsut keep an eye on it! I agree with the ear thermometer - as you said that what they use in hossy and at the dr - which is why I paid to get one!
Have tried both ears too and I got the same temp both times - so I think its probably fine.
Tan - you asked when you should take her to the doctors. You should take her if;
The fever continues for more than 24 hours
If (after two or three doses of panadol) the temp is unaffected (does not come down)
If the child becomes listless, wees less, or is not feeding
If you feel you are not coping (not a judgement. If I feel I can not manage DD's temp at home I make an appointment ASAP)
Many health care professionals recomend you do not give panadol for fever until it reaches 38. Remember that a fever is the body's way of fighting infection (and building immunity). I give it at 38.
In regards to the Brauhn thermometer - I also have one. I got it when DD was about 4 months. Always use the same ear to take the temp as there can be a difference between the two ears. The idea about taking it a couple of times and then working out the average is a good one - especially if you are concerned the themometer may be inaccurate. To test the accuracy, you can also double check with an underarm one.
I know how rough it is when they have a fever and are unsettled. My DD has had a fever (on and off) for 3 days. If we don't give her something before it hits 38.5 it gets to 39.1!!!! And she SCREAMS the place down!
HTH and hope your little one continues to improve!
Hi all and thanks again so much for the advice.
Izzy's temp has been a bit up and down but has stayed below 38 so havent given her anymore panadol. SHe responded really well to the panadol but its so good to know the above info because Im sure there will be other times that she will be ill. I really think her and I are fighting DH's cold. Neither have gotten it fully - I had a tickly throat this morning but it seems to have disappeared so maybe bf'ing has helped boost my and her immunity.
MG - IKWYM about not coping and I think Id rather go to the dr if Im not sure and be reassured (my dr is awesome so I wouldnt feel silly!) than leave it too long til she is miserable.
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