Headache

OTC

Headache

Therapeutic Principles of Self-Care Leticia Shea, PharmD, MS, BCACP

iRAT Password

T-RAT Password

Joe: Headache and Fever

Practice SCHOLAR to support safe self-care

A concerned mother, Patricia, approaches the pharmacy counter holding a bottle of baby aspirin (81 mg chewables). She says: "Hi, I need something to help my son Joe feel better. He has a fever and headache that started yesterday, and he’s just miserable. I’m getting this baby aspirin because that’s what my mom gave me when I was a kid."

CHOLAR

Joe: Headache and Fever

Practice SCHOLAR to support safe self-care

CHOLAR

Joe: Headache and Fever

Practice SCHOLAR to support safe self-care

A concerned mother, Patricia, approaches the pharmacy counter holding a bottle of baby aspirin (81 mg chewables). She says: "Hi, I need something to help my son Joe feel better. He has a fever and headache that started yesterday, and he’s just miserable. I’m getting this baby aspirin because that’s what my mom gave me when I was a kid."

SCHOLAR

Joe: Headache and Fever

Practice SCHOLAR to support safe self-care

A concerned mother, Patricia, approaches the pharmacy counter holding a bottle of baby aspirin (81 mg chewables). She says: "Hi, I need something to help my son Joe feel better. He has a fever and headache that started yesterday, and he’s just miserable. I’m getting this baby aspirin because that’s what my mom gave me when I was a kid."

SCHOLAR

Joe: Headache and Fever

Practice SCHOLAR to support safe self-care

A concerned mother, Patricia, approaches the pharmacy counter holding a bottle of baby aspirin (81 mg chewables). She says: "Hi, I need something to help my son Joe feel better. He has a fever and headache that started yesterday, and he’s just miserable. I’m getting this baby aspirin because that’s what my mom gave me when I was a kid."

SCHOLAR

Joe: Headache and Fever

Practice SCHOLAR to support safe self-care

A concerned mother, Patricia, approaches the pharmacy counter holding a bottle of baby aspirin (81 mg chewables). She says: "Hi, I need something to help my son Joe feel better. He has a fever and headache that started yesterday, and he’s just miserable. I’m getting this baby aspirin because that’s what my mom gave me when I was a kid."

SCHOLAR

Joe: Headache and Fever

Practice SCHOLAR to support safe self-care

A concerned mother, Patricia, approaches the pharmacy counter holding a bottle of baby aspirin (81 mg chewables). She says: "Hi, I need something to help my son Joe feel better. He has a fever and headache that started yesterday, and he’s just miserable. I’m getting this baby aspirin because that’s what my mom gave me when I was a kid."

SCHOLAR

Kahoot (Joe)

Joe: Headache and Fever

Practice SCHOLAR to support safe self-care

A concerned mother, Patricia, approaches the pharmacy counter holding a bottle of baby aspirin (81 mg chewables). She says: "Hi, I need something to help my son Joe feel better. He has a fever and headache that started yesterday, and he’s just miserable. I’m getting this baby aspirin because that’s what my mom gave me when I was a kid."

SCHOLAR

What if she already gave him 81mg of aspirin?

Symptoms of Reyes Syndrome?

What symptoms are suggestive of Reyes Syndrome? (Select all that apply)

B. Mental Confusion

A. Vomiting

D. Mild Fever

C. Lethargy

What if she already gave him 81mg of aspirin?

Symptoms of Reyes Syndrome?

What symptoms are suggestive of Reyes Syndrome? (Select all that apply)

A. Vomiting

B. Mental Confusion

D. Mild Fever

C. Lethargy

Next Steps

Headache with high fever next steps

Key Steps

Recommend acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever relief. Counsel on age/weight-based dosing. Educate Patricia on why aspirin is unsafe for kids with flu-like symptoms.

Recommend acetaminophen or ibuprofen and refer for evaluation for antiviral therapy.

Educate Patricia as to why aspirin is unsafe in children with viral infections.

Counsel Patricia about weight-based dosing for ibuprofen or acetaminophen

OTC medication?

Counsel

Educate

Break!

5 minutes

Characteristics

"He’s been lying on the couch, very tired, says his head hurts." Lethargic Fatigue No rash, but warm to touch. He is able to sip water and juice but does not have any hunger.

Aggravating Factors

He says he feels worse if he has to move.

Onset

Symptoms started suddenly yesterday afternoon. He seemed fine in the morning when he went to school, but was feverish and sick at pick-up.

Symptoms

• Fever (reported 102.5 F)
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Rhinorrhea

Remedies

• Popsicles
• Orange juice
• Water and ice

Location

Headache, generalized body aches, mild upper respiratory symptoms (rhinorrhea, cough)

History

Symptoms started ~24 hours ago. No recent meds taken. He was administered the Influenza and COVID vaccines last year but has not yet received this year’s vaccinations. Allergies well controlled on current treatment No known allergies to medication