The normal temperature of human body is 98.6°F. If the
temperature is taken rectally, the thermometer will show
a rise of 1°F, that is it will show 99.6°F. The normal
body temperature can vary slightly among individuals.
The doctors consider the rise in body temperature as
fever if it crosses the mark of 99.4°F when taken orally
and 100.4°F when taken rectally. Rectal checking of
temperature is done in infants and children who are
older than four years have their temperature checked
orally. Infants under three months should be rushed to
the hospital if they have fever above 100.5°F. The same
applies for children older than three months and having
a body temperature above 102°F.
Digital thermometers provide a more accurate temperature
reading. Mercury thermometers pose a health risk to the
family as it is an environmental toxin. Hence, this is
another good reason why mercury thermometers should be
replaced with digital thermometers. Parents must take
few measures before and during the task of checking the
child’s temperature. First of all, the parent should be
sure about the kind of thermometer he or she wants to
use, that is whether the thermometer should be meant for
oral use or rectal use. The child shouldn’t be bundled
up very tightly before the temperature is checked. When
the thermometer is being held by the child, the parent
should supervise the whole procedure. Infants might
experience pain when the thermometer is inserted into
his rectum. Therefore, it is a good idea to cover the
thermometer’s tip with petroleum jelly before insertion
and only half of the thermometer should be inserted
inside. The thermometer should be held until the beep is
heard as children tend to drop the thermometer, if it is
left to them. When taking the temperature orally, the
thermometer should be placed underneath the tongue and
should be left there until the beep is heard. After
usage, the thermometer should be washed with cold water
and soap.
When an infection is being fought by the body, it shows
signs of fever. When the child becomes fussy and
experiences aches in parts of the body, the child should
be administered with some medicines. Medicines are
available for children, depending on their needs, age
and weight. The recommended dosage will be written on
the pack or the label of the medicine and the parents
should check that chart before giving any medicine to
the child. If there is any kind of confusion, a doctor
should always be consulted. Medicines like
Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, and Tylenol for children are
available over the counter. When acetaminophen is given
along with lukewarm bath, it helps decrease the fever.
The medicine should be given just before the bath. The
water shouldn’t be cold and no alcohol products must be
used while bathing. If bath is given minus
acetaminophen, the child can begin to shiver and there
is chance of body temperature going high again.
Aspirin is not advisable for children as it may develop
serious illness called Reye’s syndrome in the child. The
risk is even more in kids having chickenpox or flu. Not
more than five doses should be given in twenty four
hours. If drops are given, the dropper should be filled
till the marked line. A liquid medicine usually comes
with a measuring device in the form of a cap. If not, it
can be bought at the local drug store. Infants under
four months shouldn’t be given medicine, unless told by
the doctor.
Certain symptoms call for immediate attention and the
doctor must be contacted immediately. Symptoms can be
dry mouth, rapid change in body temperature, ear-ache,
behavioral changes, frequent diarrhea and vomiting,
paleness, seizures, skin rashes, intense headaches, sore
throat, swollen joints, irritability, high pitch crying,
not feeling hungry, stiff neck, stomach ache,
whimpering, wheezing, limpness, and breathing problems.
At all times, the child must be made to wear comfortable
cotton cloths which help the body to breath properly and
at the same time absorbs the sweat. The child should
also be given fluids constantly, in order to combat with
dehydration.
