Idhealt.com – The human body’s normal temperature is 98.6°F.The thermometer will show a rise of 1°F, or 99.6°F, if the temperature is taken rectally.The average body temperature can vary slightly from person to person.When the body temperature rises above 99.4°F when taken orally and 100.4°F when taken rectally, doctors classify it as fever.Infants have their temperature taken by rectal means, and children older than four years old have their temperature taken orally.If a baby’s temperature rises above 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit, they should be taken to the hospital right away.The same is true for children with a body temperature above 102°F who are older than three months.
A temperature reading that is more accurate is provided by digital thermometers.As an environmental toxin, mercury thermometers pose a health risk for the family.As a result, digital thermometers should take the place of mercury thermometers for yet another good reason.Before and during the task of checking the child’s temperature, parents must take a few precautions.
First and foremost, the parent needs to be certain about the kind of thermometer he or she wants to use—whether it should be for rectal or oral use.Before the temperature is checked, the child shouldn’t be wrapped very tightly.The parent should keep an eye on the entire process while the child is holding the thermometer.When the thermometer is inserted into an infant’s rectum, it may cause pain.
Therefore, only half of the thermometer should be inserted inside and the tip of the thermometer should be covered with petroleum jelly prior to use.Children are more likely to drop the thermometer if it is left to them, so it should be held until the beep is heard.The thermometer should be placed under the tongue and left there until the beep is heard when taking a temperature orally.The thermometer should be cleaned with soap and cold water after each use.
Fever is a sign that the body is fighting off an infection.Some medicines should be given to the child when they become fussy and have aches in certain parts of their body.Children can take medicines based on their needs, age, and weight.The medication’s label or pack will include the recommended dosage, which parents should review prior to administering to their child.A doctor should always be consulted whenever there is any kind of confusion.
Over-the-counter medications for children like Tylenol, acetaminophen, and Ibuprofen are available.The fever can be reduced by taking acetaminophen with a warm bath.Prior to taking a bath, the medicine should be administered.While taking a bath, you shouldn’t use any alcohol products and the water shouldn’t be too cold.The child may begin to shiver and return to a high body temperature if bath is administered without acetaminophen.
Children should not take aspirin because it could cause a serious illness called Reye’s syndrome.Kids who have the flu or chickenpox run even higher risk.Five doses should not be administered within 24 hours.The dropper should be filled to the marked line if drops are given.A cap-shaped measuring device typically comes with a liquid medicine.If not, you can get it at the neighborhood pharmacy.Medicine should not be given to babies under four months old unless the doctor tells them to.
Certain symptoms necessitate immediate medical attention, and a doctor should be contacted right away.Dry mouth, rapid temperature change, earache, behavioral changes, frequent diarrhea and vomiting, paleness, seizures, skin rashes, severe headaches, sore throat, swollen joints, irritability, high-pitched crying, lack of hunger, stiff neck, stomach ache, whimpering, wheezing, limpness, and breathing issues are some of the symptoms.The child must always be provided with soft cotton clothing that allows the body to properly breathe while also absorbing sweat.To combat dehydration, the child should also receive fluids on a regular basis.
