Fever:
- Keep them cool.
- Give them plenty of cool drinks.
- If they feel unwell give recommended dose of paracetamol.
- Monitor level of response.
What is a fever?
A fever is when a person has a persistent high temperature above 38°C (100.4°F). This is normally caused by a bacterial or viral infection and is often associated with a sore throat, earache, measles, meningitis or chickenpox. Beware of recent overseas travel. If a young child’s temperature rises above 39°C (102. 2°F) this can be dangerous and might trigger a seizure.
Signs and symptoms
Look for:
- a persistently high temperature - above 38°C.
- feeling cold, with goose pimples, shivering and chattering teeth.
Later they may have:
- hot, flushed skin and sweating
- a headache
- general aches and pains.
What to do
-
If someone has a fever, help make them comfortable and keep them cool, ideally in bed with a sheet or light duvet.
- Do not use a sponge to cool them as there is a risk of overcooling.
-
Give the casualty plenty of cool drinks to replace any fluid loss through sweating.
-
If they’re feeling unwell, you can give them the recommended dose of paracetamol tablets for an adult, or the recommended dose of paracetamol syrup for a child.
- Do not give aspirin to anyone under the age of 16.
-
Monitor their level of response until they recover.
- If you are worried, seek medical advice.
In a child, contact 111 or GP surgery if:
- they are under 3 months and have a temperature over 38C.
- they are 3 - 6 months and have a temperature over 39C.
- the temperature has lasted for over 5 days.
- they do not want to eat or drink.
- they are dehydrated - nappies that are not very wet, sunken eyes or your are worries about them.
In a child, call 999 if they:
- have a stiff neck.
- have a rash that does not fade when you press it with a glass.
- are bothered by light.
- have a fit (febrile convulsion) for the first time.
