What To Do If Your Child Has a Fever

There is some medical disagreement concerning the medical need for Temperature control. Some doctors recommend paracetamol to lower temperature others do not. Usually children and adults feel better and function better it their temperature is reduced to near normal


Remember paracetamol is very dangerous in overdoseIf your child's temperature is above 37.5⁰C, give Paracetamol ("Panadol" is a common brand) in a dose according to your child's age - follow the dose instructions on the label and repeat the dose every four hours if necessary.
Do NOT give more frequently.

Remember:
Place body temperature is 37⁰C. If you take the temperature by placing the thermometer under the arm then add IC to obtain the Internal Temperature.  For example: If the underarm Temperature is 36.8⁰C then add 1⁰C to obtain the internal temperature of 37.8⁰C which is the temperature you act on. If your child's temperature is above 38.5⁰C, give Paracetamol and then a tepid sponge bath: Fill the bath with tepid water (not cold water).

Place the child in the bath and wet the child's head with a face cloth. Continue to run the water over the head and body until your child's temperature comes down to 37.5⁰C or less. This may take 20 minutes or more. Do not leave the child unattended in the bath. Take the child's temperature every 10 minutes while in the bath. If the child is shivering then remove the child from the bath immediately.

Shivering increases internal body temperature. Pat the child dry - rubbing dry also increases body heat. Alternatively, you can just let the water evaporate without drying your child.


If your child has a fit because of the high fever, immediately lie the child on its side - this will protect the airway and the child will not swallow its tongue. Do not place objects such as spoons or fingers in the child's mouth. It is very frightening to see a fit but try to stay calm and keep reassuring yourself it is unlikely your child will have any lasting effects from that fit. It is unlikely epilepsy will follow. However subsequent fits with high fevers are more likely.


If the child's fit lasts longer than 5 minutes, call a doctor or take the child to the Hospital Accident & Emergency or call an ambulance.

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How To Get To Sleep

Many people experience sleep difficulties during their "settling in" period in Jakarta or any other post.

1. Go to bed only when you are tired. Do not eat, drink, read, smoke or watch TV in bed. Get up if you are not sleepy.

2. Get up at the same time every morning. Set your alarm clock.

3. Avoid spicy food, caffeine, or too much liquid with your evening meal. Coffee, tea, chocolate and cola drinks contain caffeine.

4. Keep nights free from stress. Don't think in bed. Deal with problems when they happen during the day. Don't let them build up and dominate your sleep time.

5. Do not drink alcohol before bed. A night cap will induce lighter sleep and sleep will be less refreshing.

6. Exercise after work and before dinner. Morning exercise does not induce sleep and late evening exercise makes sleep more difficult.

7. Control noise. Older people are more easily disturbed by noise.

8. Have a hot shower or bath immediately before going to bed.

REMEMBER:          

·          Alcohol and sedatives are only a temporary solution. Their long term use will disrupt your sleep.

·          Not everyone needs 8 hours sleep.

If you are having a real problem with early morning (2 – 3am)  wakening  and can’t get back to sleep then contact the hospital

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General Healthy Living In Jakarta, Indonesia

Healthy Living in Jakarta, Indonesia

Air.
- All major Indonesian cities have severe atmospheric pollution. This can be unpleasant but exposure during a normal 2-3 year posting is unlikely to cause new health problems.
- Pre existing respiratory problems may be aggravated but asthma is very common in Indonesia also Hay fever is common.

Water
- Do not drink tap water anywhere in Indonesia
Bottled water is widely available and should be used for drinking, tooth brushing and for a final rinse after washing fruit and vegetables.
- Most foods are available.
- Fruit and vegetables are of reasonable quality.
- Meat and fish from public markets should generally be avoided.
- Supermarkets offer much higher food handling standards.

Restaurants
- Many restaurants have acceptable hygiene standards. These standards can vary daily and with food type irrespective of the quality of the restaurant or hotel.
- Roadside food stalls should be avoided especially Padang food stalls.
- Shellfish, snails and uncooked fish should not be eaten.

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS: Lifestyle:
- Expatriates often have an unhealthy lifestyle in Indonesia.
- Many people do not exercise sufficiently because of the heat and pollution.
- Excessive alcohol consumption, smoking and overeating are common.
- Many people gain weight.
- Try to moderate your diet and exercise regularly.
Vaccinations:
- Start all vaccinations well before posting as you may need a course of injections.
- Check with your doctor that all previous vaccinations are up to date.
- All adult and childhood vaccinations can be given at the all Jakarta Hospitals or Clinics.

Medications:
- Most medications are available in Indonesia.
- The Hospitals, Pharmacy or Drug Store or Clinics arround Jakarta they have stocks medicines.
- If you are on Medications ussually supplied from your country before leaving.
- If you require long term medication initially bring 3 months supply with you.

Doctors and Clinics:
- Expatriate doctors generally can not practise in Indonesia but there are exceptions.
- Some local Clinics are well equipped but generally not of Western standard.
- Some clinics are with associated cultural and language problems.
- Ensure disposable needles and syringes and sterile instruments are used.
- Try to avoid any surgical procedures.
- Contact the your doctor at home town or Insurance Company Doctor for recommended Hospitals, Clinics, Specialists, Medical Laboratories and X
-Ray Clinics before any invasive procedure
- Blood tests, X-Rays, etc quality are good quality at the Big Hospitals.
- You will have to pay for all treatment in Indonesia. Carry adequate cash with you or some Hospital they accept credit card too.

House and Hotel Calls:
- Home visits are usually not available unless if you contact with Expats clinic
- Hotels have a doctor on call or a hotel clinic. Expect high fees
- It is often preferable to proceed directly to the clinic or hospital.

Ambulance:
- Ambulance services are usually owned by hospitals or private clinics and are often not of Western standard. Payment before service is normal
- It may be faster to go by car or taxi to a clinic or hospital

Blood Bank
- The Red Cross monitors blood banks. Standards are variable. Blood supply is not a free service.
- Avoid blood transfusion if possible. Insist blood is re screened by the hospital before transfusion. Contact the your family doctor first

Dentists:
- Good quality treatment is available in Jakarta at recommended dental clinics. Request an indication of likely fees before starting treatment. Contact the hospital or clinic for recommended dentists or for to make an appoitment before you see doctor

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