Healthy Child Clinic

NHS Child Health

It’s a real worry when children become ill. Understandably, we don’t want to take any risks. Parents and carers can now find NHS advice at their fingertips to help look after their children’s health. ‘Looking after your child’s health’ is an important NHS guide for parents and carers of children aged 0-5 year.

The NHS Child Health app gives easy to understand guidance on childhood illnesses, recognising when your child is unwell, and advice on when and where to seek further treatment.

Download the free NHS app today!

Just search for ‘NHS child health’ on Google Play or Apple’s App Store


Temperatures

Children often get a high temperature (a fever) when they are poorly. If the child’s temperature is above 37.5 degrees centigrade (or if you don’t have a thermometer but you think your child has a temperature), try to lower it as follows:

  1. Make the room cooler by turning off the fire and opening the window.
  2. Take off the child’s warm clothing.
  3. If your child is in bed only a sheet is needed while the child is hot.
  4. Give plenty of cool drinks.
  5. Some children find sponging with tepid (cool but not cold) water soothing.
  6. If your child still feels hot, or is miserable, give Paracetamol. Give the higher but correct dose as prescribed on the packet. Repeat every four hours if necessary to a maximum of four doses in 24 hours.
  7. If your child does not improve after taking Paracetamol, contact the doctor.
  8. You will not make your child worse if you take him/her in a pram or car to see the doctor. Sometimes the fresh air makes feverish children feel better.