How to take care of your child at home when he or she has a cold or fever

Fever is the most common symptom in children's growth process. It is the body's defense response when the disease or bacteria invade the body. Because when the brain sets the body temperature higher, the activity of pathogens will be suppressed, the immune function will be enhanced, and the resistance will be temporarily improved.

Generally speaking, if you find that your child is listless, doesn't like to laugh, reacts slower than usual, etc., he may be sick, so you should prepare to measure his temperature first. Please note that you should use a thermometer, not your hands. I have tried it before. When I touched it with my hands, it was cold. The baby kept complaining of a headache. When I used the thermometer, it was already 39 degrees Celsius. It turned out that he was having a chill. (Shock!) Similarly, you should wipe the sweat off your child before taking the temperature each time, because sweat will lower the temperature of the skin surface, and the measured temperature will be inaccurate.

Temperature rise period

Once a child starts to have a fever, he or she will usually have physical abnormalities such as chills, shivering, cold hands and feet, and a bad complexion, which means that the body temperature will rise again. If the child is afraid of the cold (or cries when you take the baby into the bathroom), you can help the child wrap in a towel to keep warm. (Don't use a thick blanket!) At this time, you should take the temperature every half an hour and record it until the temperature rises completely.

High fever period

When the body temperature rises, the child will feel hot and sweat, and breathe faster. Since sweating and breathing will cause the body to lose water, you should drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, and change into 100% cotton underwear with good moisture absorption.

In addition, fever consumes a lot of energy, so children should be allowed to get enough sleep. In order to provide a comfortable sleeping environment, the temperature and humidity in the room should be paid attention to. The temperature should be 25 degrees Celsius and the humidity should be between 40 and 60 percent.

Parents can also soak a towel in warm water, wring it dry, and then apply it to the child's neck, armpits, inner thighs, etc. If the child resists, do not force it.

The child's temperature should be checked every hour until it starts to drop. If the child's temperature is above 38.5 degrees Celsius and the child has difficulty falling asleep or is tired, he or she should be given antipyretics as directed by the doctor.

Fever reduction period

Don't think that you can relax when your child's fever goes down, because children usually have a fever again when we are most relaxed. (Xiaomi has tried countless times) Therefore, you should continue to take the temperature once in the morning, afternoon and evening until the child has no fever for 24 consecutive hours.

After the fever subsides, the child's physical strength has not yet recovered, so he should rest at home for two days before going to the park to play. Children who are in school should also rest for another day after the fever subsides before returning to school. Never let teachers or homework drag down your child's health.