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Minor reaction to childhood immunizations

(HealthDay News) -- When children have a severe reaction to an immunization -- with symptoms such as high fever, breathing problems, continuous crying for several hours, weakness, or red streaks near the injection site -- it requires immediate medical attention.

Try these suggestions for much milder post-injection discomfort:

For soreness at or near the injection site, apply a cool, damp cloth or an ice pack.
Administer an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen. Do not give the child aspirin.
For minor cases of hives, apply hydrocortisone cream.
Any fever that develops should not last more than three days. Administer acetaminophen and lots of fluids. If the fever lasts more than three days, seek medical attention at once.
Your child may be cranky or fussy after the immunization, and may sleep a lot. If these symptoms don't improve after three days, call your doctor.