not quiet sure but i would prob every 30 min to 40.... but if its extrememly high n ur very worried maybe every 20 min unless u have given panadol or something then check 15-20 after wards n then when ever u think u need too
If very high, i will give panadol then check 20 mins later that it is dropping. Then i usually don't check again for at least 2 or so hours unless i feel like they aren't getting better or that it is up again (eg they are flushed, go quiet again etc) If it isn't that high, i will just monitor their behaviour more than their temp. What they look like, how they react etc.
I usually take it half an hour after giving panadol etc then every hour after that. Unless if course there is cause for concern, then I take it when I feel the need.
I hardly ever actually take their temperature. But I will generally feel their head/ chest whenever they are close enough if they seem to be hot. If they feel really hot to touch and they are miserable they get panadol. If they feel a bit hot but seem OK otherwise I let them be. I have never found that I have needed a specific number to put to their temperature.
A dr once told me to treat the baby not the thermometer which i have found helpful. If they are struggling and i check their temp and decide to give them paracetamol, i'd then check it half an hour later to see if it was coming down. Then i wouldn't really check again unless they seemed unhappy iykwim. Paracetamol should last at least 4 hrs.
A temperature is the bodies way of fighting an intruder, it's a good thing. If it gets too high it can become an issue but if the kids are doing alright with a temp i'll let them be. If they are in pain or obviously unhappy i am inclined to give them paracetamol.
But i don't think you need to check every half hour. You'll know if you need to check again.
I check DD when she feels hot to touch. If she's unwell, and I notice she has a temp requiring medication, I will check it again 30-40 minutes after the medication is given. Remember, it can take up to 30 min for oral medication to take effect. Other than that, I only check it if she feels/looks very hot or seems to be struggling.
The only exception to my rule is when her temp is over 40. Then I do tepid washes and/or cool flannels to the groin, armpits, and back of neck. In which case I check it every 5 or so minutes to make sure it's coming down. But you don't want it to decrease too rapidly or they shiver which sends the temp higher - hence why I check more frequently - I'm trying to get the balance.
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