Here - Health Promotion Agency

Illness and accidents
TAKING YOUR CHILD’S
TEMPERATURE
There is a range of simple
devices available which can be
used to take a child’s
temperature. If purchasing one
of these, take care to check that
it will be easy to use, suitable
for your child’s age, and
capable of producing an
accurate reading. Always read
and follow the instructions
carefully.
STRIP-TYPE
THERMOMETERS
Strip-type thermometers,
which you hold on your
child’s forehead, are not an
accurate way of taking
temperatures. They show the
skin and not the body
temperature.
DIGITAL
THERMOMETERS
A digital thermometer can be
of the infrared type that is
put in the child’s ear or a
probe type which is held
under the armpit or tongue in
the same way as a mercury
filled glass thermometer.
NORMAL BODY
TEMPERATURE
• Under the arm, normal
temperature is slightly
lower than under the
tongue – about 36.4ºC
(97.4ºF).
• Under the tongue, normal
temperature is about
37ºC (98.4ºF), but
may vary a bit.
98
NAPPY RASH
See page 25.
SORE THROAT
Many sore throats are caused by
viral illnesses like colds or flu.
Your child’s throat may be dry
and sore for a day or so before
the cold starts.
Sometimes a sore throat is caused
by tonsillitis. Your child may find it
hard and painful to swallow, have a
high temperature and swollen
glands at the front of the neck, high
up under the jaw.
The majority of sore throats will
clear up on their own after a few
days. Paracetamol can be given to
help reduce the pain.
If your child has a sore throat
for more than four days, has a
high temperature and is
generally unwell or is unable to
swallow fluids or saliva, see your
GP.
TEETHING
See page 33.
TEMPERATURES
You may wish to discuss methods of
taking your child’s temperature with
your health visitor, doctor or
practice nurse. Whichever method
you use, do not rely on readings
alone. If you have any health
concerns, seek medical advice. If
you are buying a new thermometer,
consider buying one that is
mercury-free.
NORMAL BODY TEMPERATURE
Under the arm, normal temperature
is about 36.4°C (97.4°F). Under
the tongue, normal temperature is
slightly higher, at about 37°C
(98.4°F), but may vary a bit.
BABIES UNDER SIX MONTHS
Always contact your GP if your
baby has other signs of illness
(see box on page 88) as well as
a raised temperature and/or if
your baby’s temperature is
39˚C (102˚F) or higher.
If the doctor doesn’t find a reason
for the temperature, he or she will
almost certainly want to send a urine
specimen to the laboratory. A
detailed test will show if your baby
has a urine infection.
OLDER CHILDREN
A little fever isn’t usually a worry.
Contact your GP if your child seems
unusually ill, or has a high temperature
which doesn’t come down.
• It’s important to encourage your
child to drink as much fluid as
possible. Cold, clear drinks are
best. Even if your child isn’t
thirsty, try to get him or her to
drink a little and often, to keep
fluids up. Don’t bother about
food unless it’s wanted.
Bringing a temperature down is
important because a continuing high
temperature can be very unpleasant
and, in a small child, occasionally
brings on a fit or convulsion
(see page 95).
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Give your child plenty of cool
clear fluids.
Undress your child to his or her
nappy or pants and vest.
Cover with a sheet if necessary.
Keep the room cool by turning
the radiators down or opening a
window.
Give paracetamol in the correct
recommended dose for your
child’s age every four hours.
After these measures, take your
child’s temperature if you have a