Q: Child got a 38.5°C fever and vomited during a long car trip. They fell asleep after taking medicine. Should I wake them to eat and take alternating fever reducers?
Medically reviewed by Sang Hyun Ahn, MD
Content edited by Myeongchan Kim, MD
This post is a dramatization of a question and answer session experienced by our actual medical reviewers. Please note that this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
Question:
My child suddenly felt nauseous and dizzy during a long car ride, and then vomited. When we arrived at our destination, I checked their temperature, and it was 38.5°C. They skipped dinner, but I gave them a fever reducer, and now they have fallen asleep. If the fever spikes again and I need to alternate with a different fever reducer, should I wake my child up to feed them a little bit of food before giving the medicine?
Answer:
It must have been very stressful to deal with sudden vomiting and a fever during a long trip. Based on your description, your child is experiencing motion sickness, vomiting, and a fever of 38.5°C, but is currently resting after taking medication.
Here is what you should do right now:
✅ Do not wake a sleeping child
• Sleep is the most important factor for recovery.
• Fever reducers are meant to relieve the child's discomfort, not simply to lower the number on the thermometer. If they are sleeping peacefully, let them rest.
✅ Timing for the next dose
• Wait until the child wakes up naturally.
• Only administer more medication if they are visibly uncomfortable (fussing, in pain) or feeling very hot.
• Ensure you maintain a 4 to 6-hour interval from the previous dose.
✅ Do not force them to eat
• Instead of food, offer water or electrolyte drinks in small, frequent amounts (one or two sips every 5 to 10 minutes).
• If they feel like vomiting again, let their stomach rest for 30 minutes before trying to give fluids again.
• Once their appetite returns, start with bland, soft foods like porridge, applesauce, or bananas.
⚠️ Warning Signs (When to see a doctor)
Please visit a pediatrician for an in-person evaluation tomorrow morning if you observe any of the following:
• No urine output for more than 8 hours.
• Dry lips or an absence of tears when crying.
• Severe lethargy or inability to make eye contact.
• Vomiting that repeats 4 to 6 times or more.
• Severe abdominal pain or blood in the stool.
Guidelines for Alternating Fever Reducers
• The basic rule of thumb is to stick to one type of fever reducer.
• You should only alternate medications if the first one fails to relieve the child's discomfort.
• If you must alternate, leave a 2 to 3-hour gap between different active ingredients (e.g., Acetaminophen ↔ Ibuprofen).
• You must strictly adhere to the dosing intervals (4-6 hours or 6-8 hours depending on the drug) and the maximum daily dosage for each specific medication.
• If keeping track becomes confusing, it is much safer to stick to just one medication.
For tonight, let your child get a good night's sleep. Check their condition in the morning and prioritize keeping them hydrated. If the fever or vomiting persists tomorrow, please consult a doctor for a proper examination.
For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.
