Very few people know how to take an accurate temperature of the body. In high fever it is very important to bring down the temperature, especially in very small children. Water sponging is of paramount importance to avoid the harmful effect of high temperature on the brain.

How to take body temperature

Wipe the thermometer clean. Keep it for two minutes, minimum, under the tongue and a minimum of five minutes under the arm of children or in very sick and unconscious patients.

Shake the thermometer with downward flicks so that the mercury comes down into the bulb and the reading is below the normal mark. Each thermometer bears a red mark at 98.4°F or 37°C which is the normal temperature of the body.

Fever is not a disease. It is the defense mechanism of the body by which it does not allow the invading bacteria to grow and multiply.

Very few people know how to take an accurate temperature of the body. In high fever it is very important to bring down the temperature, especially in very small children. Water sponging is of paramount importance to avoid the harmful effect of high temperature on the brain.

Emergency Treatment of High Fever

Temperature more than 102°F – 103°F in children is considered as high fever. Cold sponging of the body and head is of paramount importance in small children as they can get convulsions (fits) during high fever.

During such a fit, arms and legs will shake with jerky movements and the child might go blue in the face. The fit lasts for a few seconds.

If the baby has a fit during fever, lay him on the stomach over a pillow to prevent choking. Vomiting during fit can cause the secretion to go into the lungs.

Call your doctor and while waiting for medical help , try to reduce the body temperature by cold water sponging.

During high fever, remove the clothes and starts sponging the body with cold water. Put a napkin soaked in cold water on the forehead every five minutes. Sponge the arms, front of chest, abdomen and back frequently.

You can keep the fan running while sponging, if required. Add eau de cologne or alcohol to the sponging water if possible.

Important: Ice cold water can be used for the sponging of the head. Do not apply ice cold water to large areas of the body and the abdomen, as it may cause chills and discomfort to the child.

One tablet of Paracetamol can be taken every 3-4 hours till the temperature comes down. In children (1-5 years) Paracetamol Syrup, two teaspoonfuls every 3-4 hours can be given safely. In very small children ½ teaspoonful or 8-10 drops of Paracetamol should be given.

Do not cover the patient with heavy blanks or put on too many clothes during high fever. One bed sheet over a shirt is enough.

Give plenty of cold water sips and fresh water to the child during high fever, It will help to bring down the temperature very fast.

Remember: If you do not give water to the child the temperature will not come down inspite of the best medicines.

Noting the temperature every 5-10 minutes is useless. Every half an hour is ideal during high fever.

Temperature Indicator Strips

These days an alternative method of taking temperature is available in the form of temperature strips. These are plastic strips to be placed on the forehead. They change colour to give an idea of the temperature. This method is not widely practiced though it is very convenient in children.

An important thing to remember is to add 1’F to the temperature strips reading as it has the tendency to show a reading lower than the existing temperature of the body.

Diet During Fever

• Mostly liquid diet like plain water, fruit juices, milk, tea, coffee, besides bread, cornflakes, porridge and various soups can be given. Avoid heavy, fried and spicy foods.
• If there is vomiting, wait for 1-2 hours and then give food.
• Breast feeding can be done during fever.

Author: Gopal Tripathi