WHAT IS NORMAL?

A NORMAL BODY TEMPERATURE DEPENDS ON HOW YOU TAKE THE TEMPERATURE:

■ Rectal: 36.6° C to 38° C

■ Armpit: 34.7° C to 37.3° C

■ Ear: 35.8° C to 38° C

■ Mouth: 35.5° C to 37.5° C

When your baby is running a fever, Dr Dance advises you not to panic and explains that a fever is a defence mechanism of the body, as it fights off infections. “It’s not the fever that makes your baby look ill, it’s the disease causing the fever. This is not usually dangerous, except if your baby is one month and younger, or if he’s running a fever with a temperature of 38.5°C or more.” Dr Dance warns that when a fever is accompanied with unexplained bruising to the skin, it could indicate possible septicaemia (blood poisoning) that needs urgent medical attention in an emergency room. “When the temperature is on its way up, the baby will shiver and have cold extremities and a marbled appearance to his skin. He may be hot to the touch. It is important to give a safe antipyretic (medication to reduce fever) at an adequate dose as prescribed by your doctor,” she says. Dr Dance also warns that the fever may come back, and when it does, these dosages should be repeated four-hourly.

“An inadequate dose will not treat the fever,” says Dr Dance, “If the baby responds to this treatment and seems to be well once the temperature comes down, then one can afford to wait a while before seeking a diagnosis.” Dr Dance also recommends removing your baby’s clothing and sponging him down with tepid (not cold) water over and above with the above treatment. “An older child with a temperature higher then 38.5°C may need to see a doctor if the temperature doesn’t settle. If the temperature is less than 38.5°C but accompanied by symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, rash, complaints of sore throat or earache, it’s best to seek medical attention. “Even mild viral infections can cause a high temperature that recurs once or twice. If the temperature recurs more than twice at levels above 38,5°C, see a doctor, who might prescribe an antibiotic,” Dr Dance explains.

She also notes that fever seizures affect 10 percent of normal children and, while they’re terrifying, they’re not considered dangerous and usually occur at the start of the rise in temperature.