Do | Don't |
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Do encourage the child to drink fluids regularly (breast milk is best for breast feeding children). Do administer antipyretic medication if the child is distressed. Do make sure the dose is correct based on the weight of the child. Do shake the bottle before pouring a medicine. Do use a syringe or medicine measure spoon to administer medicines. Do store all medicines out of the reach of children. Do store all medicines according to the manufacturer's instructions and below 25 °C, out of direct sunlight, with the cap tightly closed. Do not keep medicines in the car or bathroom cabinet. Do seek further medical advice if the fever does not get better within 48 h, or if the child's condition gets worse (Box 1). |
Don't apply tepid sponging. Sponging the skin with cool water may briefly reduce the temperature of skin being sponged, but it does not reduce inflammation or affect the cause of fever and therefore has no significant lasting effect on body temperature. Don't over-dress or under-dress the child, or wrap the child in heavy blankets. Don't exceed the maximum recommended doses of antipyretic medication per 24 h. Don't measure medicine using a household teaspoon or tablespoon – use only the measuring device provided. Don't allow children to drink medicines straight from the bottle. Don't administer another dose of antipyretic medication immediately if the temperature does not come down after one dose. Wait for the appropriate dosing interval to pass and only give another dose at the correct time. Don't wake a sleeping child just to administer antipyretic medication. Don't give antipyretic medicine to the child for longer than 2 days without consulting a doctor. Don't give a child antipyretic medication before or immediately after vaccination. |