“What to Do When Your Child Has a Fever While Traveling: Expert’s Guide on ‘3 Dos and 4 Don’ts’ for Parents”

Many families, while on holiday, are often caught off-guard when their children fall ill with a fever. This can put a damper on the entire trip. So, what should parents do if their child develops a fever while traveling? PGS. TS. BS Nguyen Tien Dung, former head of the Pediatrics Department at Bach Mai Hospital, offers his expert advice on this matter.

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Bich Lien (Phu Tho) (lebichlien***@gmail.com)

Hello, I’m seeking some medical advice ahead of my family’s beach vacation during the upcoming National Day holiday on September 2nd. I have three young children, and my main concern is what to do if they fall ill, especially my youngest who has a history of febrile seizures.

Could you provide guidance on how to manage a fever in children while traveling, including first aid tips for seizures?

Thank you in advance for your expertise!

PGS.TS.BS Nguyen Tien Dung

It’s quite common for children to develop a fever while traveling, often due to increased outdoor activities or changes in their environment. However, parents shouldn’t be overly concerned as fever is a normal response to fight off bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections. Most fevers in children are benign, but high temperatures that don’t respond to medication or seizures can be alarming.

Here are some steps to take if your child has a fever:

– Ensure your child rests in a cool, clean environment, dressed in comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Keep them well-hydrated with water or increased breastfeeding for infants. Older children can also benefit from drinking fruit juices, especially those rich in vitamin C.

– Use a warm, damp cloth to gently wipe your child’s body. Focus on the armpits and groin area first, then move to other parts of the body. There’s no need to place a damp cloth on their forehead or chest.

– Administer fever-reducing medication if necessary. Paracetamol is recommended at a dosage of 10-15mg/kg/dose when the temperature reaches 38.5°C or higher, with a 4-6 hour interval between doses. For children with a history of febrile seizures, use fever-reducing medication at a temperature above 38°C. If the medication doesn’t work or your child exhibits abnormal behavior, seek medical attention promptly.

Use a warm, damp cloth to comfort a child with a fever. Chilling is not recommended. 

What not to do when your child has a fever:

– Avoid using fever-reducing patches. Instead, opt for the warm cloth method described above. Patches are ineffective and unnecessary.

– Don’t apply cold compresses or ice packs. This practice is ineffective and can be harmful, especially if the fever is caused by viral or bacterial infections. It may also cause cold injuries and compromise breathing.

– Keep the room well-ventilated. Avoid closing doors and windows, as stuffy rooms can make the child more uncomfortable and worsen their condition.

– Maintain a nutritious and diverse diet for your child. Avoid restrictive diets, as they can weaken their immune system and make them more susceptible to illness and malnutrition.

Ensure your child receives adequate nutrition, including vitamin C-rich foods, during a fever.

Additionally, if your child experiences a seizure, remain calm and place them on their side to prevent choking. Do not restrain their movements or attempt to stop the seizure. Once the seizure subsides, gently insert a soft cloth or handkerchief between their teeth to prevent tongue injury during potential subsequent seizures.

According to PGS.TS.BS Nguyen Tien Dung’s extensive emergency experience, most children relax their jaws after a febrile seizure. At this point, you can insert a soft cloth to prevent further jaw clenching.

To be well-prepared for any medical situations during your trip, it’s advisable to pack essential medical supplies such as a thermometer, fever-reducing medication, bandages, saline solution, anti-diarrheal medication, insect repellent, and allergy medication (if applicable) …

Frequently asked questions

First, remain calm and do not panic. Assess the situation and the child’s overall condition. Provide them with plenty of fluids and dress them in light, breathable clothing. Use a cool sponge or cloth to help reduce their temperature. You can also give them an appropriate dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help manage the fever. If the fever persists or worsens, seek medical attention, especially if your child exhibits any other concerning symptoms.

Keep them well-hydrated with fluids such as water, oral rehydration solutions, or ice pops. Dress them in lightweight and comfortable clothing to help regulate their body temperature. Use a cool-mist humidifier in their room to add moisture to the air and soothe their respiratory tract. Offer them light, easily digestible foods like soups, fruits, and electrolytes-rich drinks. Finally, ensure they get plenty of rest.

Don’t bundle them up in too much clothing or heavy blankets, as this can trap heat and make the fever worse. Avoid giving aspirin to children under 16 years old, as it can lead to a serious condition called Reye’s syndrome. Do not force your child to eat solid foods if they are not feeling up to it; instead, opt for liquids and light snacks. Steer clear of using alcohol rub or very cold water on their skin, as it can be uncomfortable and ineffective. Lastly, do not ignore a persistent or high fever; seek medical advice if concerned.

Ensure your child is up to date with their vaccinations, as this can help reduce the risk of certain infections that cause fevers. Practice good hygiene, including regular handwashing, especially before handling food and after using the restroom. Avoid crowded places and close contact with sick individuals if possible. Keep your child well-rested and maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Finally, pack a travel first-aid kit with essentials like a thermometer, fever-reducing medications, and rehydration solutions.