$Unique_ID{PAR00292}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Emergency First Aid:  FEVER}
$Subtitle{}
$Author{
Editors of Consumer Guide
Siegfried, Donna M}
$Subject{FEVER FEVERs infection infections symptom symptoms elevated body
temperature temperatures chills hot flash flashes flush flushed skin increased
pulse breathing rates headache aching joints muscles 103 degrees Fahrenheit 40
degree Celsius Centigrade aspirin aspirin}
$Log{
Step 4*0029201.tif}

The New Parents' Question & Answer Book


FEVER


CAUSES

Fever is generally a symptom of an infection.


SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

  -  elevated body temperature
  -  chills or hot flashes
  -  flushed skin
  -  increased pulse and breathing rates
  -  headache
  -  aching joints and muscles


EMERGENCY TREATMENT

1. Call doctor immediately if fever is 103 degrees_F (40 degrees_C) or
   higher.  In most cases, fever is not serious; however, fever can sometimes
   signal a serious problem.  Therefore, it is important to follow the general
   rule that if fever is 103 degrees_F (40 degrees_C) or higher or if fever
   persists for more than 72 hours or recurs, the doctor should be contacted
   within 24 hours.
2. DO NOT give medications unless doctor recommends doing so.  DO NOT give
   aspirin.
3. Until you talk to doctor, undress child and hold child in half-filled tub
   of lukewarm water.
4. Sponge child's body with light strokes for 20 minutes.
5. Dry and dress child in comfortable but not overly warm clothing.
6. Continue to take child's temperature, and repeat these steps if necessary,
   until doctor is contacted.