Child safety
Do not use alcohol rubs or ice water for fever; follow age-appropriate medical advice. Seek prompt medical help for a young infant or a child who is very unwell or breathing poorly.
Last reviewed: 2026-09-20
Alcohol rubs and ice-cold cooling can harm a feverish child instead of safely treating the cause.
Rubbing a feverish child with alcohol or forcing cooling in ice water.
Do not use alcohol rubs or ice water for fever; follow age-appropriate medical advice.
For serious injury, unconsciousness or difficulty breathing, keep yourself safe, call 999 and follow the operator.
This page provides general home-safety information and does not replace medical, legal, electrical, or other professional advice.
