Check temperature
2Relieve fever
164 FAMILY ILLNESS
1
Caring for a sick person
When looking after a sick person at home, whether a child or an adult, your main concerns will be to ensure that he or she is comfortable and drinking plenty of fluids, that you provide the correct medication at the right time, and that any new or worsening symptoms are dealt with correctly. A sick child or baby can be more demanding, but loving, patient care is one of the best aids to recovery.
BRINGING DOWN A FEVER
Check temperature
• A fever is a body temperature that is above 100.4˚F( 38˚C). See pp. 68 and 70 for advice on the different ways of measuring a temperature.
• If you or your child develops a fever, look at the charts on pp. 74 and 76 to check whether medical help is required or whether the cause can be treated at home.
Use fan to keep room cool
Provide cool fluids
Wipe skin with tepid washcloth
Remove clothing and bedclothes
2Relieve fever
• Drink plenty of cool fluids.
• Reduce temperature and relieve discomfort with an over-the-counter analgesic such as acetaminophen.
• Give babies over 3 months of age and children under 12 years liquid acetaminophen( not aspirin).
• Cool young children by removing most of their clothing, wiping them with a washcloth moistened with tepid water, and fanning them, but do not let them get too cold.
• Children under 5 years old are susceptible to febrile seizures( p. 43) if they have a high fever and should be watched very closely.
SOOTHING A SORE THROAT
• Rest your voice by speaking as little as possible.
• Drink plenty of fluids, especially hot or very cold drinks.
• Eat ice cream and icicles; they help ease a tickly throat.
• Take analgesics, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, in the correct doses.
• Suck throat lozenges containing a local anesthetic( these are suitable
only for adults).
• Gargle warm salt water( half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of water).
• Install a humidifier or place bowls of water near radiators to keep the
air moist.