A SURVEY by pain relief provider Nurofen for Children revealed that 64 per cent of parents in Munster admitted to panicking when their child developed a fever.
The survey was carried out among 300 parents of children aged six or under, with a tendency to panic particularly common when their child is less than a year old.
Aoife Molloy of Lloyd’s Pharmacy in Thomondgate said that illnesses such as fever can escalate very quickly in young children and advised parents to seek fever-reducing medication when a child’s temperature surpasses 38°C.
She added that 46 per cent of parents are more likely to avail of free GP care for children under five, even though pharmacies are also equipped to advise parents on how to manage their child’s fever. Ms Molloy also gave a number of tips for parents of young children on what courses of action to take in the event of their child developing a fever.
She advised: “The first thing many parents will do is feel the child’s forehead but this can often be very inaccurate. It’s much better to measure the child’s temperature with a thermometer.
“Children should be treated straight away, because if you go straight to a pharmacist or GP they will ask if the child was already given Nurofen or Calpol.
“You should never give aspirin to a child and children under two months should be given absolutely no medication. Dress your child in light clothing and never give them a cold bath as this can cause chills. A lukewarm bath is much better.
“Ensure they take plenty of fluids and have plenty of rest. If their temperature returns to normal for 24 hours, it’s OK to bring them back to a creche or school.”
