FEVER - WHEN TO SEEK HELP

 
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CONTACT YOUR HOMEOPATH IF…

  • fever persists longer than 24 hours

  • temperature has risen above 39.5 C or 103 F

  • fever comes on after a wound (potential ER/A&E situation)

  • rash appears on the body at the same time (see meningitis below)

  • headache, abdominal pain and nausea accompany (potential of appendicitis)

 
 
 

IF NEEDED…

If you are concerned then use an antipyretic such as the tylenol, paracetamol and ibuprofen as is appropriate to the individuals age and then let your homeopath know when you speak to them as this will help in your homeopath understanding the features of their case – remember you Homeopath is there to support you.

 
 
 

WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE

  • Seek medical help if you are concerned about your child. You know them better than
    anyone and it is important you follow your own judgement if you feel concerned that they
    are seriously ill.

  • Seek professional medical attention on the emergency fever conditions (see details below)

  • Fever rises to 40.5C or 105F

  • High-pitched piercing scream (see meningitis below) - A&E / ER Hospital

  • Rolling the head from side-to-side or arching the neck back - A&E / ER Hospital (see meningitis)

  • Complaining of a severe headache during fever (see meningitis) - A&E / ER Hospital

  • Child with history of convulsions / starts to convulse - A&E / ER Hospital

  • Child between 6 and 12 months with fever for over 24 hours - A&E / ER Hospital

  • Child becoming floppy & listless, with failure to respond to remedies - A&E / ER Hospital

  • Child develops a non-blanching rash (does not go pale under a glass) - A&E / ER Hospital

  • Severe pain with swelling behind the ear - A&E / ER Hospital

  • Child unable to swallow liquids & starts to dribble - A&E / ER Hospital

 

EMERGENCY FEVER CONDITIONS

Meningitis and Kawasaki Syndrome are two fever condition emergencies that you must seek urgent hospital treatment for:

MENINGITIS

  • associated with bacteria/virus caused by a number of factors

  • high fever

  • headache with pain the back of the head

  • stiffness in the neck

  • rolling of the head from side-to-side

  • red rash which is blotchy / non blanching

  • arching of the neck and back

  • delirium and stupor

  • vomiting and diarrhoea

  • high pitched piercing screaming

  • rash can sometimes be purplish

KAWASAKI SYNDROME

  • can look like a different condition altogether like measles, scarletina or of similar viral origins and can be mistaken for meningitis

  • fever

  • rash

  • swollen lymph glands

  • it can be mistaken for early meningitis

  • sometimes swollen painful joints

  • heart symptoms not easily detected

 

FEVER WITHIN 6 MONTHS FROM TRAVELLING

Geographical region/s of travel can help determine the likelihood of major causes of fever. It is important to seek medical help if fever is experienced within 6 months of travel as this may indicate serious illness and/or a contagious condition.

The Centre for Disease Prevention lists common causes of fever on their table found via this link.