Fever Myths & Realities.
Myth: All fevers are bad for children.
Reality: Fever is actually one of the body’s protective mechanisms. It is involved in turning on the immune system; therefore, it can be considered a good sign that your child is trying and able to rid herself of an infection.
Myth: All fevers need to be treated.
Reality: Since fevers are generally (aside from the newborn period—see below under “emergencies”) harmless, they only have to be treated if they cause discomfort. This usually occurs only when temperatures exceed 102° F (39° C).
Myth: Teething causes fever.
Reality: Although many parents and care providers believe teething may cause a child to run a fever, teething does NOT cause a fever. If your child has a fever during the time she is teething, it should be regarded as a separate medical concern.
What to Do?
1. Keep your child cool and comfortable.
- Keep her room comfortably cool
- Make sure that she is dressed in light clothing
- Encourage her to drink plenty of water or diluted fruit juices (or a commercially prepared oral electrolyte solution for children)
- Encourage her to rest
- In certain situations (e.g. temperature above 104° F/40° C, prior history of a febrile seizure), your pediatrician may recommend (besides medications, see below) sponging your child in a tub of lukewarm water. Usually five to ten minutes (sooner, if she is shivering) is enough time. DO NOT use cold water or alcohol!
2. Medications.
- Acetaminophen and ibuprofen (to be used only with children older than six months of age), are safe and effective if used properly. Besides reading the label on [any] medication, talk to your pediatrician before giving your child new medication if he is younger than two years of age. Aspirin is NOT to be used, since it has been linked with intestinal bleeding and a neurological disorder called Reye syndrome.
- If your child is vomiting and unable to take medication by mouth, your pediatrician may recommend a rectal (acetaminophen) suppository.
Emergency Situations.
