Kids with high temperatures need to be closely monitored

MORE than one in 10 Irish parents are unsure what to do if their child has a fever and 60% panic when a child’s temperature is high, according to a new survey conducted among 300 parents of under sixes for the medicine brand Nurofen For Children.

Panic is more likely to set in during the first year of parenthood but the good news is — even when parents do panic — the majority (86%) still know what steps to take to reduce fever. Mums are slightly more likely to be in the know than dads.

Parents attempting to bring down fever (defined as body temperature above 37.8°C) should immediately give Nurofen or Calpol (but not if child is under two months), dress the child in lightweight clothing and ensure the bedroom is a comfortable temperature.