When your child is sick, a mild fever might be a symptom they experience. The elevated body temperature makes it harder for bacteria and viruses to survive and prompts the immune system to fight the sickness. While your child's temperature spikes above 104 degrees, you should consult a healthcare provider. However, here are steps you can take to ease discomfort and help them recover from a low-grade fever in the meantime.

3 Ways to Care For Your Child When They Have a Fever

1. Administer the Appropriate Medicine

Acetaminophen can lower body temperature to help get rid of a fever. The over-the-counter medicine also acts as a pain reliever to ease the aches your child might be feeling, too. The drug is available in chewable tablets, regular and extended-release capsules, and syrups. The dosage should be written on the package for children aged 2 years and older. A pediatric care provider can tell you which form is appropriate based on your child's age and the safe dosage for kids younger than 2 years old. 

Ibuprofen is also a good fever reliever for children aged 6 months and older. Often administered in liquid form, the medicine will lower body temperature and reduce inflammation to ease body aches.  

2. Keep Them Comfortable

Feeling hot or flushed are common fever symptoms. If your youngster is overheated, putting a cool compress on their head can relieve them. 

To help reduce their elevated body temperature, adjust the thermostat so that the room is at a moderate temperature. Have them wear a light layer of clothing, too. If your child is cold due to fever-induced chills, they can also wrap themselves in a thin blanket for a bit of warmth. 

3. Ensure They Drink Plenty of Water

Your child can become dehydrated easily when they have a fever. The increase in temperature also causes the body's metabolic rate to rise. These instances make the body use more water and oxygen to function. It's also possible to lose liquids through sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, and other cold symptoms. 

To keep your youngsters hydrated, they should drink plenty of water. They should take a few sips of the liquid every 15 minutes throughout the day. Eating sugar-free popsicles made with real fruit juice and drinking an oral rehydration product will also combat water loss.

If your child's mild fever increases, visit Hillside Family Medicine in Anchorage, AK. For over 20 years, their pediatric care providers have performed wellness exams, lab tests, and additional family medicine services to identify illnesses and treat patients to improve their quality of life. View new patient forms online, and call (907) 344-0200 to schedule an appointment.