First Aid

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VERY HIGH FEVER

A very high fever can be dangerous if it is not brought down quickly. It can cause fits (convulsions) or even permanent brain damage (paralysis, mental slowness, epilepsy, etc). High fever is most dangerous for small children.

If a fever goes very high (over 40°) it must be lowered at once:

1) Strip the person naked.

2) Fan him.

3) Pour cool water over him, or put clothes soaked in cool water on his chest and forehead. Fan the cloths and change them often to keep them cool. Continue to do this until fever goes down (below 38°).

4) Give him plenty of cool water to drink.

5) Give a medicine to bring down fever. Aspirin works well.

Dosage (using 300mg. adult tablet):

- Persons over 12 years: 2 tablets every 4 hours.

- Children 6 to 12 years: 1 tablet every four hours.

- Children 3 to 6 years: 1/2 tablet every 4 hours.

- Children under 3 years: 1/4 tablet every 4 hours.

If a person with fever cannot swallow aspirin, grind it up, mix it with some water, and put it up the anus as an enema or with a syringe without the needle. Some doctors consider acetaminophen (paracetamol) safer than aspirin for small children.

If fever does not go down soon or if fits begin, continue cooling with water and seek medical help at once.

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