Facts about FEVERS | Richmond, BC Daycare
Fevers are usually caused by an infection but may also be caused by some other illness.
What is difficult to detect how ever is just how severe the illness is just by the temperature being high. For example, a child with a mild infection could have a high fever, while a child with a very severe illness could have no fever at all.
The best way to gauage is in your child's behaviour, in how your child reacts.
If at any point you are worried about your child's behaviour, call your doctor.
IMPORTANT: NORMAL BODY TEMPERATURE = 37degrees C, or 98.6degrees F
HOW TO TAKE A TEMPERATURE
There are 3 ways that you as a parent can take the temperature of your child.
1. In the mouth.
- place the thermometer under the tongue and close mouth. Don't bit down
on the thermometer. And don't let your child drink any hot or cold fluids
for half and hour prior to taking the temperature.
2. In the ear
- simply place the thermometer in the ear and take the electronic reading.
Please take note that this is a specialized thermometer for taking
temperatures in the ear.
3. Under the armpit.
- simply place the tip of the thermometer against the skin and hold the arm snugly against chest.
WHEN TO CALL THE DOCTOR
Call your doctor if your child:
a. has a fever above 39degrees C (102degrees F)
b. has a fever and is less then 6months old
c. has a fever for MORE then 72 hours
d. is excessively cranky, fussy or irritable
e. is unusually sleepy, listless or does not respond
f. has difficulty breathing
g. has a fever and a rash or any other sign of illness that concern you
WHAT TO DO: REDUCING A CHILD'S HIGH FEVER
1. Sponge the child with water at room temperature. Make sure the child does not shiver
2. Remove excess clothing and blankets
3. Give the child water, dilluted juice, or "flat" soft drinks.
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LOCATIONS OF SOME MEDICAL CLINICS IN RICHMOND
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