The average normal temperature in a healthy human is said to be 37°C, but this can vary quite markedly. Often people, adults and children, can run a fever of up to 40°C for several days with no danger. A temperature of 40.5°C is a serious cause for concern, but it is only when it passes above 41°C that there is a risk to life.
SEEK HELP IF:
Young mother: Doctor, in case of fever, how will I know when to bring my child to you ?
Old pediatrician: "Madam, a lot of that depends on your nerves."
DO AND DONT'S
“Give me a fever and I can cure the child” - Hippocrates
SEEK HELP IF:
- a baby under six months old has a fever.
- an older baby has a fever of over 40°C that does not respond to sponging and homoeopathic treatment within 24hours.
- your family has a history of convulsions accompanying fevers – keep a close eye when your baby throws a fever. It is the rapid rise in temperature that can cause a fit.
- the baby or older child is also refusing to drink (is thirstless) as dehydration can occur.
- there is a lack of reaction (listlessness and limpness), which can imply that a serious illness such as pneumonia or meningitis has developed.
Young mother: Doctor, in case of fever, how will I know when to bring my child to you ?
Old pediatrician: "Madam, a lot of that depends on your nerves."
DO AND DONT'S
- Don’t encourage a sick child to eat. Fasting encourages the body further to eliminate toxic wastes and helps it focus on recovery.
- Do encourage a feverish child to drink plenty of fluids or at least sips of water at frequent intervals.
- Don’t give any homoeopathic remedy at first sign of a rise in temperature, neither suppress a fever in children with aspirin. Any attempt to interrupt the body’s own healing prosesses is unwise as this can confuse the symptom picture.
- Do wait until a fuller picture developes when other symptoms emerge.
- Don’t immerse a feverish child in a bath with cold water.
- Do use lookwarm water to sponge down one limb at a time. Sponging the face and forehead alone can also give relief
“Give me a fever and I can cure the child” - Hippocrates
SNIPPETS
Invest in a good modern digital thermometer that gives a quick and accurate reading.
Respond to the needs of your child – Keep a hot feverish baby lightly dressed and a chilly feverish child (who feels cold and shivers) well covered.
Fever is a symptom and not a disease – it could be a helpful and necessary healing stage of an acute disease.
Article by Sister Alida
Registered Nurse