Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Decreased Activity During Illness
DESCRIPTION
Most children are less active when they are sick with an
infectious illness. However, when they are awake, most
children do not choose to stay in bed. They prefer to be
out of bed, watching television or playing with toys.
BED REST IS NOT THE ANSWER
Bed rest is no longer considered mandatory for treating
childhood illnesses. No evidence exists that forced bed
rest is helpful for common childhood illnesses. It does not
reduce symptoms such as fever, despite the myth that
children should stay in bed until their fever is gone. Bed
rest doesn't help the body heal faster. It neither shortens
the length of an illness nor prevents complications. The
only medical conditions for which bed rest is helpful are
heart failure and respiratory failure. Children with these
serious problems choose to remain in bed because they feel
especially bad.
HOME CARE
When children are sick, it is all right for them to choose
their own levels of activity. If they are feeling really
ill, they will want to be in bed. Children naturally
decrease their level of activity when they are sick. We
probably don't trust their survival instinct because we know
too many adults who go full speed ahead when they are sick.
Forced bed rest is impossible to achieve. If you insist
that your child stay in bed and then you leave the room,
when you return you may find him using the bed as a
trampoline.
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