Quality British Education in Saudi Arabia
FEVER
What is it?
A fever is when the body’s temperature rises above normal. The body’s temperature may vary within a range between 35.8C and 37C. A temperature of 38C or more is considered a fever.
Fever is a sign of infection in the body and is an important part of the body’s defense against infection. A major cause of fever is viral or bacterial infection. A child’s body temperature returns to normal when an infection settles.
A fever may also arise where heat production exceeds a child’s ability to cool down, such as during prolonged exposure to sun on a hot day.
Signs and symptoms
Your child may:
- Feel tired and miserable
- Have a hot forehead
- Look flushed and feel hot or shivery
- Have increased breathing or heart rate
- Be quieter or less active than normal
How do I manage fever?
Do you feed a cold and starve a fever?
This is not sound advice. Good nutrition is important to all kids,
especially sick ones. Both high fever and cold can cause fluid
loss, so drinking plenty of water, fruit and vegetable juice will help
prevent dehydration. If sick kids do not feel like eating temporarily,
simply return to good nutrition as soon as possible. Always try
to maintain the best nutrition possible.
