Fever

An Article by Worsley Training – First Aid Training in and around Wiltshire

A fever is a body temperature that is higher than normal and has many causes such as infections and illnesses.

Normal is classified as 37°C or 98.6°F, however the acceptable range is 36.4-37.5°C or 97.5-99.5°F. Most doctors consider a temperature over 38°C or 100.4°F as a fever.

Look out for any other signs and symptoms such as drowsiness, pain, refusing food, vomiting or any rashes which may indicate something more serious.

If none then the advice is usually to rest, drink plenty of fluids and take paracetamol and ibuprofen. If it doesn’t return to normal within a couple of days then call 111 for advice or go and see your doctor.

Taking a temperature can be rather difficult with babies and small children as they won’t hold a thermometer still in their mouths. Use a digital thermometer clamped in their armpit or a specially designed one in their ear. Avoid the strips that you hold on their forehead as they are not accurate, or the old-fashioned glass and mercury as they are dangerous.

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