Key Takeaways
- A high fever doesn't automatically mean a serious illness; a child's overall behavior is a more important indicator.
- Fevers are a normal, healthy immune response that helps the body fight off infections.
- Treating a fever is mainly for comfort, not to cure the underlying illness.
- Not all fevers require medication. It’s often best to let a low-grade fever run its course if the child is comfortable.
- Beittel-Becker Pediatric Associates provides expert care for children of all ages in Lancaster, PA. If you're concerned about your child's fever, schedule an appointment today.
Debunking 5 Common Myths About Fevers in Children
A rising temperature on the thermometer can easily send any parent into a panic. But while fevers are a common concern, a lot of what we think we know about them is based on outdated advice and myths. Understanding the facts can help you feel more confident and prepared when your child feels warm.
Fevers are one of the most frequent reasons parents seek medical advice. Knowing when to worry and when to wait it out is key. This guide will address five common misconceptions about fevers, providing Lancaster parents with the clarity needed to care for their sick children. Beittel-Becker Pediatric Associates is here to separate fact from fiction.
Myth 1: All High Fevers Are Dangerous
It's a common belief that the higher the number on the thermometer, the more serious the illness. However, a high fever in itself is not necessarily dangerous and doesn't always indicate a severe problem. A child with a 104°F fever who is playful and drinking fluids may be less concerning than a child with a 101°F fever who is lethargic and refusing to drink.
A child’s behavior and overall appearance are often more important than the specific temperature reading. Focus on how your child is acting. Are they alert? Are they staying hydrated? These are crucial clues to their well-being.
Myth 2: Fevers Should Always Be Treated with Medication
When your child has a fever, your first instinct might be to reach for fever-reducing medicine like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. While these can help make your child more comfortable, they aren't always necessary. A fever is the body's natural defense mechanism to fight infection by making it harder for bacteria and viruses to survive.
If a fever is low-grade (typically under 102°F) and your child is otherwise comfortable—playing, eating, and drinking—it's often best to let the fever do its job. Treating the fever won't make the underlying illness go away any faster. The primary goal of treatment should be to relieve discomfort, not just to lower the number on the thermometer.
Myth 3: A Fever Can Cause Brain Damage
Many parents worry that a high fever could cause brain damage. This is an extremely rare complication and typically only occurs with body temperatures above 107.6°F (42°C). This level of hyperthermia is usually caused by external factors, like being in a hot car, rather than by infection. A typical fever from an illness will not rise to a level that causes brain damage.
Fevers associated with common childhood illnesses like colds or the flu simply do not get high enough to cause harm to the brain.
Myth 4: If a Fever Doesn’t Come Down, the Cause is Serious
It can be stressful when you give your child fever medication and their temperature doesn't return to normal. However, this is not necessarily a sign of a serious illness. Fever-reducing medications usually lower the temperature by only 2 to 3 degrees Fahrenheit, so a fever of 104°F may only drop to 101-102°F.
The effectiveness of the medication is not an indicator of the severity of the illness. As long as your child is showing signs of improvement in their comfort and activity levels after receiving medicine, the treatment is working as intended.
Myth 5: You Should Feed a Cold, Starve a Fever
This old saying has been passed down for generations, but there is no scientific basis for it. When your child is sick, whether with a cold or a fever, the most important thing is to keep them hydrated. Encourage them to drink plenty of fluids like water, electrolyte solutions, or diluted juice.
Don't force your child to eat if they don't have an appetite, which is common during an illness. Offer small, nutritious meals when they feel up to it, but prioritize hydration above all else. Dehydration is a much more significant risk than a temporary loss of appetite.
Schedule an Appointment at Beittel-Becker Pediatric Associates
Understanding the truth about fevers can help you navigate your child's next illness with more confidence. When you have concerns, the team at Beittel-Becker Pediatric Associates is here to provide guidance and expert care.
Schedule an appointment with our compassionate pediatricians to discuss any concerns about your child's health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature is considered a fever in a child?
In children, a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher is generally considered a fever. For oral readings, 100°F (37.8°C) is typically the threshold.
When should I call the doctor for my child's fever?
You should call your pediatrician if an infant under 3 months has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F or higher. For older children, call if a fever is accompanied by severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, unusual lethargy, a stiff neck, a rash, or signs of dehydration. Also, contact the doctor if a fever lasts for more than a few days.
Can teething cause a high fever in a baby?
Teething can cause a slight increase in a baby's temperature, but it typically does not cause a high fever. If your baby has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F or higher, the cause is likely an illness, not teething.
