Dear XXXXXXX,

Use of two different anti-fever medicines serves no other purpose than to make the user think he is using something stronger or better. My sincere advice is to keep using paracetamol. The dose should be roughly 1 ml for every 2 kg body weight. You may use it as frequently as 4-5 times in 24 hours. However, it is important to also cool the baby with tap water sponging applied to her entire body (from neck to knees) and a cold mop kept over the forehead which is changed frequently (as is done by most people in the country). Mopping the body helps to reduce the XXXXXXX temperature by the process of evaporation, assisted by convection of the heat from within the core of the body to the skin. Mopping or sponging can be done as long as desired, provided the child allows you to do so without getting distressed.

Somewhere down the line, usually after the lapse of three days, or if new symptoms develop, you need to go back to the doctor to re-consult. Fever due to viral illnesses generally lasts 2-3 days, hence the 3-day deadline helps you as well as the doctor to re-assess the cause and take further action if merited.

It is a good idea to own a digital thermometer and to record her temperature at least 4-6 times a day, and especially when you are about to medicate the child. Keep this record with you and take it with you to the doctor when you go for the reassessment.

Remember to give extra liquids like water, electrolyte solutions, fruit juices, milk, tea, chaas, etc. as children with fever get dehydrated more readily than those without.

Air-conditioners may be allowed to be run provided the child is comfortable with it. However, you need to keep the draft away from her. Finally, when she is not feverish, use the opportunity to coax her to eat, play and be active so that she will recover faster.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for the query, and best wishes for your daughter's speedy recovery.

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