Basic common practices when dealing with H1N1

Hydration. The intake of cool fluid not only prevents dehydration, but it actually cools the body temperature down internally and will decrease your fever naturally. Push the fluids to reduce the fever! It works in most cases, although due to vomiting, didn’t work for our youngest.

Fever Medication. Make sure to know the weight of your children, and administer medication based on their weight not their age. Under-dosing your children will complicate things. Doctors recommended alternating Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen every three hours to reduce the fever, children and adults alike.

High Fever Transportation. Do not travel yourself, or transport a child, with a high temperature as seizures can occur on the way to the hospital or doctor. It is recommended that you bathe in tepid (luke warm) water 20 min. before traveling. Do not bundle up afterward.

Cold Baths. Not recommended. These actually increase the body’s temperature as the person begins shivering. Make sure the water is room temperature, or tepid.

Fevers Fluctuate. Your body temperature normally fluctuates throughout the day, when you are sick it is no different. A range of fever from 99-105 varying throughout the day and night is to be expected. Only when a person remains at a high temperature, and does not fluctuate, and is not responding to medication for a long period of time is there cause for concern, as the person may become septic.