Safe, Hydrated and Comfortable: Guidelines for Children with Fever

According to the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health, children with a fever above 38.5 degrees (measured under the armpit), especially those with a fever above 39 degrees, should be given fever reducers to reduce fever and relieve pain. It is safe for children with a fever to be in air-conditioned rooms, with the temperature recommended to be between 25-27 degrees Celsius and humidity around 50-60%. Ensuring a comfortable room temperature is important as a hot environment can disrupt the child’s sleep and make them more tired.

It is advisable for parents to keep children in a cool place away from direct wind when the weather is not too hot. Warm compresses, covering the child with blankets, or wrapping them up can lead to higher fever and dehydration. Parents should not constantly measure the child’s temperature and should dress them in light, breathable clothing.

Children tend to be forgetful and lazy to drink water, making it crucial for parents to ensure they are adequately hydrated. Drinking plenty of water or electrolyte solutions can aid in rehydrating the body, while offering milk and fruit juice can help supplement vitamins.

Parents should seek medical attention if the child shows unusual symptoms such as a continuous high fever above 39 degrees Celsius, wheezing, difficulty breathing, lethargy, difficulty waking up, convulsions with cold extremities, persistent vomiting, stiffness of the neck, bleeding, refusal to eat or diarrhea.

Maintaining good hygiene practices such as cleaning children’s toys regularly and avoiding crowded places can help prevent illnesses from spreading. Sick children should stay at home to recover and prevent the spread of sickness to others. Limiting close contact with flu patients or suspected individuals is also recommended to minimize the risk of infection.

During hot weather, children can consume ice cream and cold beverages. However, after consuming these