Respiratory Tract Infections that children commonly get are mostly colds or flu caused by various strains of viruses. Common symptoms of a cold include nasal congestion, clear runny nose, phlegm, sore throat, cough, sneezing, hoarseness, and may have mild fever and headache. Treatment is generally supportive, including decongestants, antipyretics, cough and sore throat medicines, along with self-care such as drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding cold drinks, and keeping the body warm. Most children will recover normally within a few days. During this time, parents or caregivers should closely monitor the child.
Accurately Measure the Child’s Temperature
When you notice your child is unwell, crying, lethargic, drinking less milk or water, losing appetite, and feeling warm when touching the forehead and neck, you should measure the temperature and record it. The measured temperature is important and categorized into 3 levels as follows:
- Between 37.5-38.0 degrees Celsius is called a low-grade fever.
- Above 38.0 degrees Celsius is called a high fever. If the fever does not reduce with proper care, the child should be taken to see a doctor.
- Above 41.5 degrees Celsius is called a very high fever and is critical. The child must be taken to see a doctor immediately. Caregivers should not allow the fever to reach this point as it can be dangerous and potentially fatal.
Temperature should be recorded every time and re-measured every 4-6 hours to monitor whether the fever decreases or increases. If after wiping the body, giving medicine, and proper care for 48 hours the fever does not subside, the child should be taken to see a doctor. Also, if other symptoms occur such as headache, vomiting, inability to eat, lethargy, excessive sweating, and fever not reducing within 24 hours, medical attention is necessary.
Wiping the Body to Reduce Fever
Do not use cold water for wiping as it causes blood vessels to constrict, reducing heat dissipation and may cause chills or seizures in children. Use a cloth soaked in water warmer than room temperature but cooler than the child’s body, wring it out until damp, and wipe and compress the skin at areas where blood vessels are concentrated such as the head, forehead, neck folds, behind the ears, armpits, groin, and buttocks. Also, compress cloths on joints to help transfer heat from inside to the skin and then to the cloth. Prepare 2-3 small cloths. Wipe from the hands and feet towards the torso to open pores and improve heat dissipation. This process takes about 10-15 minutes. When the child feels cooler, dry the body, dress in breathable clothing, and measure the temperature again 30 minutes after wiping. If the fever returns, repeat the wiping.
Administering Antipyretic Medication
Children aged 6 months and older with a fever above 38.5 degrees Celsius should be given paracetamol. Follow the dosage on the label or as recommended by a pharmacist. The medicine takes effect about 30 minutes after administration. If the fever does not reduce within 4 hours, another dose can be given. However, if the child has a very high fever, do not self-administer antipyretics as it may cause stomach bleeding. It is better to take the child to see a doctor.
Cooling Gel Pads
Children aged 2 years and older can use cooling gel pads. The cold from the gel pad helps reduce fever and provides a relaxing, comfortable feeling, also relieving headaches. Before purchase, ensure the gel pad meets standards, contains no harmful dyes or chemicals, and do not freeze the gel pad as direct contact with extreme cold can burn the child’s delicate skin. Used gel pads should not be reused.
Drinking Fluids to Reduce Fever
Giving the child warm water, room temperature water, or fruit juice frequently (avoid cold water) helps compensate for fluid loss through sweating, prevents dehydration, cools the body, and reduces metabolic rate, thereby decreasing heat production. Drinking plenty of fluids also helps eliminate waste through urine.
Light and Comfortable Clothing
Dress the child in comfortable clothing such as cotton. Avoid thick T-shirts, flannel, or long-sleeved shirts and pants as they hinder heat dissipation. If the child sweats a lot, wipe the body and change into fresh clothes each time.
Frequent Small Meals
Most sick children lose their appetite. Parents should provide easy-to-chew, easily digestible foods or foods with high water content such as rice porridge, congee, or soup. Avoid spicy, salty, very sweet, or greasy foods that are hard to digest.
Maintain Oral Hygiene
When a child has a fever, the mouth is drier than usual. Encourage the child to sip water, drink fluids, and rinse the mouth frequently. If possible, brush the teeth as well. Frequent sipping keeps the oral mucosa moist, reduces bad breath and oral bacteria, prevents sores and infections in the mouth, and stimulates the child’s appetite.
Rest and Sleep in a Well-Ventilated Area
When unwell, the child should rest more than usual. Avoid taking the child to sleep at other houses, especially in crowded places. Arrange the room, bed, and resting area to be well-ventilated and clean. Avoid using air conditioning. If a fan is necessary, do not let the air blow directly on the child.
What to Do if the Child Has a Seizure?
If the child has a seizure, place the child lying on their side without a pillow to allow fluids such as phlegm, mucus, and saliva to drain and prevent choking. Do not put objects, spoons, or fingers into the child’s mouth. Do not give medicine or fluids orally during a seizure or when the child is unconscious. If the child has a high fever, immediately wipe the body and take the child to see a doctor to find the true cause of the seizure for proper treatment.
All of the above are only initial care measures for cases where the child has a mild fever or when it is not possible to take the child to see a doctor for treatment. However, if the child has a fever and the parents are able to take the child to a doctor, it is better to do so immediately.
