SOME PRELIMINARY HOUSEHOLD PRECAUTIONS
The moment the mother feels her child has a temperature, she should immediately take the following measures by way of preliminary precautions—
• The cradle or bed of the child should be moved to a clean, airy and well-lighted place. Clean and germ-free bed covers, blankets, etc., should be used.
• If mosquitoes are likely to bother the child, a mosquito net should be hung over the bed.
• The child must be given only pure, boiled water. Ensure the milk to be given to the child is also uncontaminated.
• All glasses, bowls, cups, saucers, etc., to be used by the child must be kept thoroughly clean.
• The used and soiled clothes of the child should be exchanged for clean ones. The mother or other persons to nurse the child should also keep themselves clean and wear clean clothes. Hands must be washed with soap before and after touching the child.
• The urine and stools of the child must be disposed of properly, and antiseptics like phenyl should be used wherever necessary.
• If typhoid or other infectious disease is suspected, antiseptics should be mixed with the child’s urine or stools before they are disposed of, and the spread of infection should be guarded against in other ways.
CONTROL OF TEMPERATURE
A temperature rise is associated with most illnesses. It is, therefore, necessary to check the child’s temperature frequently. A thermometer should be placed in the groin or armpit of the child and kept there for three minutes before the temperature is read. The temperature of a healthy person is normally 98.4º Fahrenheit (36.9º Centigrade). Fluctuations of about 1ºF are not considered abnormal. But temperatures of 100ºF or above indicate fever. In such a case, a clean wet towel should be applied to the children. If, despite this, the temperature rises above 101ºF, an ice bag should be applied to the head and forehead of the child.
If the temperature rises to 104ºF, the child’s body must be sponged with cold water, preferably ice water. After that, three handkerchiefs should be dipped in cold water and placed on the chest and thighs of the child. When these handkerchiefs get warmed up, they should be poured into cold water again, and the whole process should be repeated. After about 15 to 20 minutes of such applications, the temperature should be taken again. Some drop in temperature will have occurred. A gradual reduction in temperature is desirable. If an attempt is made to reduce the temperature too quickly, the child will lose too much heat and tremors.
The feverish child should receive half a tablet of aspirin or paracetamol. This may bring down the temperature. If the child cannot swallow the tablet, crush it to powder and dissolve it in water. The child will then be able to swallow the solution. Solutions of paracetamol are also marketed under the names ‘metacin’, ‘ultragin’, ‘crocin’ etc.
All these are emergency measures only. For further directions, a doctor should be consulted.
BATHING
Some mothers believe a sick child should not be bathed, nor should water be used to clean its body, even by sponging. This belief is erroneous. Cleanliness is an important factor in the maintenance and restoration of the health of the body. When the fever has subsided, or the child is feeling relatively better, the opportunity should be taken to bathe the baby or sponge its body with comfortably warm water. Afterwards, the baby should be wrapped up in clean clothing and dried gently. Most probably, this soothes water when it has a fever, nor in the summer. If the child is very ill, it would be advisable to dispense with the bath and keep its body clean by sponging at suitable intervals.
FOOD
There is a prevalent belief that no food should be given to a child with a fever. This belief, too, is without foundation. In this matter, the Ayurvedic and the Allopathic systems of medicine hold diametrically opposite views. Admittedly, a feverish child does not usually want food; its desire for food has been lost. This natural effect of fever is worth keeping in mind. It can even be argued that if the body needs food, wouldn’t the desire for food be retained? But this argument is not in accordance with sound therapeutic principles.
It would be best to give the sick child food he relishes and in such amounts as he finds acceptable. As and when it becomes necessary, more food can be given. If too much food is given at a time, the child may get indigestion. On the other hand, if no food is given to the child when it is sick, the energy requirements of its body will be supplied by the consumption of muscular tissue, the natural consequence being that the child weakens and loses weight.
However, if the child refuses food or expresses disinclination, forcing food upon the child is not advisable. Such insistence may cause the child to feel harassed.
The wise and understanding mother must use her good sense to persuade the sick child to take adequate quantity. If necessary, the help of a doctor can be availed of.
KEEP A RECORD
Keep a record of the child’s illness whenever the child is sick. Write down your temperature every time, number of feeds, number of bowel movements, number of vomits or any other important event regarding the sickness before you consult your doctor.
HICCUPS
Babies often have hiccups during illness. Do not get anxious about it. Give the baby sips of warm water. Turn him over, put him on the back or pick him up. If it is persisting with hiccups, give your child a few drops of ‘ Lagactyl’ syrup or an antispasmodic like ‘neoctimum’ syrup and also consult your doctor if it is a frequent trouble.