7yr old dd is sick..any advice?

[samy23]

She was unwell Saturday, fine on Sunday then is unwell again today. She woke up with a terrible headache, found it hard to walk from bed to the bathroom, felt hot, lost her apetite. Then by midday she seemed much better, was eating and said she felt fine, walked around fine.

So I probably made a mistake here, and took her outside with me to the grocery store (just at the end of the street) to get her more medicine incase she needs it tonight. Well she was fine on the way there, but on the way home she started feeling really bad in her head again and her fever came back.

When we got home, she went straight to bed and fell asleep for 5 hours. I woke her up to see how she was doing, to take her temp and give water and medicine because she felt very hot allover her body.

Her temp is 100.4 which I know if it is past 98 is a fever...right? So do I just keep checking it every hour or so, incase it gets higher? I've given her tylenol and ibuprofen to help bring it down, and keep giving her sips of water. She's laying on top of the bed duvet, in just underpants, with the window open and the fan on which is keeping the room cool.

She's only had a fever about twice in the past and it was a while ago, so all I remember doing is what I'm doing now, and I know I can wipe her arms and legs with a damp cloth to help bring her temp down if it goes much higher right? Am I doing everything I should be? Anything to check or look out for?

She has a heat rash on her back, but that appeared last week, so doesn't have anything to do with this bug she's picked up...just thought it might be worth mentioning.

[SuburbanHippie]

She is 7? I would not medicate for a fever of 100.4 in a 7 year old. I think wiping her down with cool rags and forcing her to only wear underwear in front of a fan is a bit excessive. It sounds like she has a virus. Let her rest comfortably. Let her wear whatever she thinks feels comfortable and use a blanket if she feels like she needs it. When she's awake, push fluids. Other than that, I would just ride it out.

[The Duchess]

The rash could be related to the fever. You might want to call your pediatrician and describe the symptoms over the phone for advice.

[SquishyKitty]

I would make sure the rash isn't related to her fever, and otherwise keep her home and resting while it runs its course.

DS recently had an allergic reaction that looked at first like a heat rash, but then turned into a full body rash. Turns out he's allergic to an antibiotic he was on, so I'm sorry he had to suffer, but I'm glad we know now that he's allergic or the reactions could have gotten steadily worse.

[Pookietooth]

I wouldn't give her meds for the fever unless it's keeping her from sleeping. Fevers are actually very good for kids -- helps kill the germs. Just make sure she's drinking a lot of good fluids. And call about the rash.

[ameliabedelia]

I agree on not giving meds. I would just give her plenty of fluids and have her rest as much as possible. I would think the reash could very likely be related to the fever. Many viral infections do causes rashes.