The following advice can help bring down your child's temperature and make them feel better :-

• Always keep a supply of paracetamol syrup (calpol / disprol ) at home. Use a paracetamol preparation on a regular basis, four hourly is recommended.
• In addition to the paracetamol we strongly recommend a preparation called Nurofen for Children. We would advise you to give this at the recommended dosage and frequency on the bottle for the age of your child. It is compatible with paracetamol.

If your child feels hot and appears unwell, take their temperature with a thermometer. The normal is 37 degrees centigrade. If their temperature is raised or you think they have a temperature but have no thermometer then attempt to reduce their temperature as follows :-

• give the maximum dose of paracetamol syrup for their age and repeat this dose every 4 hours
  (do NOT give ASPIRIN to children LESS than 16 years)
• dress the child in cool clothes , i.e. pyjamas only
• cool down the room by opening doors and windows
• encourage frequent drinks and ensure a good fluid intake, frequently they do not feel hungry
• sponging them down with a tepid flannel, gently patting the skin dry
• a child with a temperature is often restless at night, offer cool drinks and sponge them down if they wake
• if your child appears unusually unwell or if there is no improvement with the above seek medical advice

Ill children will always be seen as quickly as possible when brought to the surgery. You will not make them worse by taking them outside when they have a temperature. Sometimes the fresh air helps a feverish child to feel better.

Rarely a child under 5 years may have a convulsion induced by a high temperature. If your child does have a convulsion (the child suddenly shakes all over and then becomes very still) it should subside in less than 5 minutes. Lie the child on their side and stay with them while it lasts. If there is another person in the house ask them to call the doctor, or call yourself when the convulsion has passed.