A child older than 6 months with fever requires treatment unless he/she is uncomfortable. Monitor the behavior of the child. If he/she is eating, drinking, sleeping normally and able to play, you should wait if the fever improves on its own and there is no need to treat the fever.
What should I do?
- Try to keep the child comfortably cool.
- Make sure that the child is dressed in light clothing.
Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are safe and effective medications if used as directed in improving the comfort of the child as well as lowering the fever. - Encourage to drink more fluids such as water, diluted juices or an electrolyte solution
- Make sure that the child does not overexert.
- A doctor must be consulted first before providing any medications.
Fever care using medications
Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are safe and effective medications if used as directed in improving the comfort of the child as well as lowering the fever. A prescription is not required and readily available in drugstores. Nevertheless, the following must be observed:
- Ibuprofen must only be given to children older than 6 months. It should not be given to children who constantly vomit or show signs of dehydration.
- Aspirin should not be used due to the risk for Reye syndrome.
- If the child has vomiting and could not take anything by mouth, a rectal suppository might be required. Acetaminophen is available in suppository form and can reduce the discomfort.
Before providing any medications to a child, carefully read the label to ensure that the right dosage is given for his/her age and weight. In addition, if the child is using other medications, check the ingredients. If ibuprofen or acetaminophen are included, you should inform the doctor.