Child Care

Usually a high fever of 100 degrees or higher is often an initial signal that a child may be sick. Normal temperature usually varies with age and time of the day. This is usually lower in the morning and could be higher during late afternoon.

When a child experiences fever, this may be a sign of an ailment like those caused by virus or bacteria. Sometimes fever can lead to seizure in babies or young children. Childhood diseases that are characterized by fever may include ear infection, chicken pox, German measles, croup, hand, foot and mouth disease, rheumatic fever, mumps, strep throat and whooping cough.

A child may be experiencing fever when you notice any of these signs and symptoms:

1. When a child registers a temperature of 100 degrees or higher. 2. When he or she shows a flushed face. 3. When he or she has a hot forehead. 4. When he or she sweats. 5. When he or she exhibits irritability with little appetite and cries a lot.

It is important that you know what you are doing in caring for a sick child. This will make the child feel more loved and attended to. Child care can be both fulfilling and rewarding. If child care is properly given and adequately addressed, rest assured that you will have a happy and loving child. If you suspect that your child is showing signs of fever, check his or her temperature with a thermometer. You should not send your child to his or her playgroup, child care center or school if you suspect that he or she is suffering from fever. He or she should not be overdressed and any extra clothing should be removed. The room should not be too hot, cool it if possible. More likely there is no serious problem with a child who is playful and shows energy, eats and sleeps well. However, a child who doesn’t want to eat and cries without apparent reason is probably showing signs of illness.

You should let the child take in a lot of cool liquids. This will help lower his or her body temperature and at the same time prevents possible dehydration. Acetaminophen can help lower the child’s fever. You should never give aspirin to a child under 12 years old especially if he or she is suffering from cold, fever, chicken pox, flu or any other illnesses that are suspected of being caused by a virus. It is important that you should consult your doctor before giving any medication to an infant under 3 months old.

A sponge with lukewarm water will usually lower a child’s body temperature. This is especially helpful if the child has a history of seizures or vomiting. Never use cold water neither alcohol.

Finally, you should consider seeing a doctor when the child especially 3 months or younger has a fever of 100.4 Degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Moreover, a prompt doctor’s appointment is necessary when your child exhibits other symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, stiff neck and if he or she cries un-relentlessly, confused and delirious.