Understanding Fever in Children: Myths vs. Facts

One of the main reasons why parents visit doctors is because of their children having a fever. However, there are many myths that lead to confusion. Therefore, as parents, it’s important to note that fever is not an infection but is a sign that the body is fighting against the infection. A fever helps in working the immune system more efficiently. Parents panic because of the things that they have heard and don’t verify the actual facts behind this. When you know the real reasons behind why your little ones are having a fever, you can provide them with the right treatment and care.

Let’s find out more about this.

✅Myth: All fevers need medicines immediately.

Many parents believe that as soon as they find out that their child has a fever, he/she has to be given medications to treat that. However, this is actually not true, as medicines should only be given if the child is uncomfortable or is in pain.

Note that not all fevers need medicines. If your child is drinking and eating normally, then you should avoid medications and let it heal naturally.

In addition to that, medicines like paracetamol are given to children to make them feel better, and it does not let the numbers go down.

✅Myth: Ice of cold baths will help the fever get down quickly.

People think that going for cold baths or using ice can help get down the fever a lot faster. This is not recommended because this worsens the condition and makes the fever worse. This can actually make your child feel worse than before.

Sudden cold exposure can cause shivering and can increase the body temperature rather than lowering it and cause harm to your child.

It’s better that you go for lukewarm water and ensure that your kid is wearing breathable clothing instead of going for ice-cold baths. This will be more beneficial for your child.

✅Myth: All types of fevers are dangerous.

If you think that all types of fevers are dangerous and need immediate attention, then you are wrong. Some of them are harmless and are the body’s way of recovering from seasonal colds or coughs.

A moderate fever is not harmful; it is the body’s way of responding to a cough or cold.

Even some high fevers are not a cause of worry if your child is eating and drinking well, is alert enough to respond, and is behaving well. So, watch out for the overall well-being, not just the temperatures.

✅Myth: The higher the fever, the sicker the child.

It’s actually a myth that when you have high temperatures, it means that your fever is actually serious. In some infections, even if the fever is high, the infection is actually mild. It’s vital to understand the whole scenario before jumping to conclusions.

It’s important to note that how your child is behaving is a lot more important than what you see on the thermometer. If he’s behaving properly, then there’s no need to worry.

Sometimes a fever can look serious, but it’s actually not, and in such a situation you should look for symptoms like rash, vomiting, etc.

Fever is a part of the healing process and is not a cause of concern. Though, if you notice some symptoms that are off track, then as a parent or a caretaker, you should definitely connect with a pediatrician.