### instruction:
If you are a doctor, please answer the medical questions based on the patient's description.

### input:
My child is 3 years old. He started loose motion y day & now he is having a temperature of 102.5F. Though 1 hour back i had given Meftal-p, the temperate is getting increased. Please let me know whether i can give him paracetamol (p250) now (~1hrs) so as to keep the temperature below 100F until we get an appointment 4 doc tomorrow morning.

### output:

Hi, Fever is a protective mechanism induced by the body to fight against infection. We are not going to achieve anything by keeping the temperature below 100 except a minimal relief for your child.  As you have given Metal recently, its better not give p-250 syrup right now. You need to wait for a minimum of 4 hours to give p 250 syrup (please follow the dose prescribed by your pediatrician).  All the medicines to control fever has their own side effects. So let's not be in hurry in giving medicines and get those terrible side effects.  I know its worrying as a parent, but please wait for some more time and give the medicine.  Give him plenty of fluids and don't cover the child with plenty of clothes. If fever still persists can try sponging with warm water (please note, not with cold water as it increases temperature).  There is Empty number of causes for prolonged fever. We say prolonged fever, if it persists continuous for more than 2 weeks. I don't think your son got a prolonged fever. It looks more like acute gastroenteritis. If your child Persists to have persistent loose stools, decreased activity or decreased urine output and oral intake, take him to a pediatrician immediately. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Chat Doctor. 