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Your Unwell Child  

If your child has a raised temperature, over the next 24 hours it is important that you:

- Wash all over with a sponge or flannel rinsed in luke warm water. Alternatively, put the child into a cool bath or shower. Repeat as necessary – i.e., if your child’s temperature should become raised again.

- Keep your child cool, remove his/her clothing and only cover with a sheet.

- Ensure your child has regular (i.e. 4-6 hourly) Paracetamol (e.g. Calpol, Disprol, etc.), which will keep his/her temperature down and make them feel better.

- If available, cool the child with the aid of an electric fan.

- Seek urgent medical advice if you are worried that your child may be getting worse, has fits, develops a rash, or is difficult to rouse.

If your child feels sick or is vomiting:

- Give medicines in tiny amounts, e.g. divide each spoonful into four or five tiny spoons over several minutes.

- Give drinks in small amounts, e.g. from an egg cup or teaspoon, but give them often, e.g. every five minutes.

It is not always necessary to treat a feverish child with antibiotics. This does not mean that we think your child is not poorly, but a fever may be caused by a virus, and viruses do not respond to antibiotics.

It is important that you observe your child, let him/her rest, and keep his/her temperature down.

If your child is not improving, please contact your GP.

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