It can be distressing to watch a child who is feeling sick and has a high temperature. Often the first thing we want to do is 'make it go away' so the child is no longer in pain. Symptoms such as a fever, however disagreeable, serve a purpose.

Suppressing them immediately with medication is not always in the child's best interest. When it comes to the fl u, for example, the viruses that produce the symptoms need the right conditions to grow. A healthy body can often fight the viruses that cause the flu and prevent them from developing.

It is interesting that even in the worst flu epidemics, the majority of people do not get sick. Understanding why people don't get sick can assist in identify ways to develop a natural resistance to disease. Chiropractic is a non-drug approach to health care. It is traditionally opposed to interfering with the bodies systems (for example, the immune system) as this may affect other body systems. Chiropractic is based on respect for the whole body, which is far more complex than any human could fully understand.

What is a Fever?

If your child contracts an infection, the fever that accompanies it has a purpose. The body tries to create extra heat so that the foreign organism cannot survive. Having a temperature helps you fight illness. Fever is part of the body's defence mechanism against viruses or bacteria. Fever indicates the repair mechanisms of the body are working and healing is occurring.

Immediately suppressing a child's fever with medication may interfere with the natural healing processes and delay the child's recovery. A fever should always be monitored and watched carefully. If you have concerns that your child is not getting better or the fever appears serious it is always important to check with your health care professional.

Chiropractic

Chiropractic works by bringing balance to the function of the child's nervous system from the brain down to the nerve endings. Keeping the body in neurological balance in turn balances all of the body's complex systems, including the immune system. This leads to improved health and a greater ability to fight disease and expel toxins.

The use of chiropractic care can assist produce a neurological balance, which along with plenty of sleep, good food and exercise is the best approach to keeping a child's body strong and healthy so it can fight viruses and disease. Dr Philip Incao, MD. reported his research results at the National Vaccine Information Centre

conference in Alexandria, Virginia USA, in April 2000. He noted the following:

"Children who produce higher fevers, strong rashes and good discharges of mucus and pus, are healthier and more robust and have stronger immune systems than children who produce a low intensity of these symptoms.
These robust children vigorously externalized and healed their infections spontaneously, often without antibiotics.

The children who had all their vaccinations, lots of antipyretics and antibiotics, these children never got high fevers and were the ones who were more likely to have allergies and autoimmune problems."

Sick children can often add an extra complication to a busy schedule. Recently, after not having been ill
for a long time, both my children came down with fevers in the same week. Having to juggle my normal
commitments and be home to care for them was very difficult. Often when your child is ill (which is usually unplanned) you want to find the quickest way to help them recover. Giving them medicine can seem like an appealing option to make them well again.

After re-organising my schedule to stay home and care for my sick children I spent the days bring them
water, checking they were comfortable, reading to them when they felt well enough and making sure they
were on the improve. I am sure the time and attention I gave them not only helped them to recover physically but also made them feel loved. Spending this time with them was an opportunity to demonstrate real compassion and care. After all, isn't it unconditional love and care that also grows a healthy child?

How can I help my child feel better?

1. Liquids. Give your child plenty to drink to prevent dehydration (not enough fluid in the body) and help the body cool itself.
2. Rest. A child with a high temperature needs rest and sleep.
3. Body temperature. Dress your child in light cotton pajamas so that body heat can escape. If your child is chilled, put on an extra blanket but remove it when the chills stop. Keep the room ventilated and cool, but not draughty.
4. Care. A sick child may be tired and upset. This is a good time to be around for them. Read to them if they feel up to it and spend time caring for them. It's a good time to show them how much you care.

When is fever critical?

• If your child experiences any of the following symptoms with a fever, call your health care professional.
• Stiff neck
• Affected by bright light
• Hallucinations
• Red rash or blue/purple dots or patches
• Trouble breathing
• Cramps
• Continued vomiting or diarrhoea
• Continued tonsillitis
• Pain when urinating, or urinating more than usual
• Other illnesses
• Cries and cries, without you being able to comfort them
• Doesn't wake up easily
• Has just had an operation
• Doesn't seem to be getting better

Did you know?

The part of the human brain that controls body temperature is not fully developed in children. This means that a child's temperature may rise and fall very quickly and the child is sensitive to the temperature of his or her surroundings.

Disclaimer: The information in this newsletter does not replace informed chiropractic advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems without consulting your chiropractor.