Role of parents:
When the child is having fever and he/she is already receiving treatment by doctor, but child is not responding well to treatment, parents should observe the child very closely and they have to note fever and other symptoms regularly in a diary.
What indicates serious illness in a child with fever?
- Fever > 1020 F in an infant younger than 3 months of age.
- Decreased/No movements shown by the child. Poor response to stimulation
- Extreme lethargy / irritability / inconsolable crying
- Any episode of convulsions/seizures. Bulging fontanel (soft bulging spot on top of head)
- Poor feeding/oral intake. Decreased fluid intake. Persistent vomiting.
- Decreased Urine output.
- Chest indrawing, grunting, fast breathing, and increased work of breathing.
- Bluish discoloration of lips, cool peripheries. Non-blanching petechial rash (reddish/purplish spot).
What to do?
- Immediately contact a doctor/Healthcare worker by phone, if suggested take child to hospital.
- Pain or fever relief with paracetamol, if available at home in appropriate dose.
- If vomiting give medicine for that as advised by doctor and give plenty of liquids orally.
