About Pain & Fever

What is a fever?

A fever is when the body’s temperature is higher than normal. A child has a fever when their temperature, is over 37.5ºC. (when taken by a thermometer in the mouth or under the arm) . Fever is the body's natural response to infection. Raising the body temperature helps the body to fight off the infection. However, children with fever often feel uncomfortable and unwell and reducing their fever can help.

What to do when your child has a fever:

a. Take off your child's clothes
b. Give your child plenty to drink; children with a fever need more fluids.
c. Give medications to reduce fever, eg Dimetapp Pain & Fever
d. Consult a doctor if the fever does not settle or your child is still sick.


How to tell if your child is in pain?

It can be very distressing when your child is sick and experiencing pain. You might feel confused and frustrated not knowing how to best relieve your children’s discomfort. Listening to your child and watching what they do may help you determine what is wrong. Children express pain differently, depending on their age. Children can sometimes express pain through:

• Crying.
• Facial changes or pulling a face.
• Changes in their sleeping or eating patterns.
• Becoming quiet and withdrawn.
• Screaming.
• Refusing to move.