Let's talk all about the dreaded fever!
They’re often seen as the hallmark of childhood illness and can trigger anxiety in parents. You may have come across the term “fever phobia,” and if you’re reading this, it might hit close to home. Many caregivers have misconceptions about fevers, which can lead to unnecessary worry. In this blog, we’ll debunk common myths surrounding fevers to help reduce the fear and anxiety they cause, empowering you to better understand and care for your child during illness. Let’s get started!
MYTH: Fevers are harmful for children
FACT: Fevers are your body’s natural immune response. It’s a part of the body’s way of turning on its immune system. Fevers help the body fight infection. I like to put it in this perspective: when you sterilize a baby’s bottle, or if you’re a pickler like me and sterilize jars, you heat them to kill all the germs, making the bottle/jars safe for use, right? This is exactly what your body is trying to do on its own! A fever of 38 degrees Celsius and above is classed as a fever – period.
NB: SEEK MEDICAL TREATMENT if your baby is under three months old and has a fever over 38°C. It’s important to seek medical attention immediately, as this could indicate a serious condition. Similarly, if your child has a weakened immune system (immunocompromised) and experiences a fever above 38°C, you should take them to a doctor or emergency department right away. Both situations require urgent care to ensure proper evaluation and treatment.
MYTH: All fevers need to be treated with medicine.
FACT: Fevers only need to be treated if they cause discomfort to your child. If your child is feeling miserable, irritable, and like a stage-5 clinger – then give them some pain relief to make them feel better. Remember, as adults when we’re sick, we feel rubbish, so it’s no surprise a child would. If your child is asleep, settled, and playing or having quiet time watching TV, and they have a fever, that’s okay too. That means the fever itself isn’t bothering them, so save the pain relief until they let you know in their own way that they’re not feeling great.
MYTH: Fevers just keep getting higher without treatment.
FACT: We don’t give our bodies enough credit. Your body’s immune system is designed to fight infections as they arise. The body naturally regulates fevers, helping it fight infections without intervention.
MYTH: The higher the temperature, the more serious the illness.
FACT: The severity of the illness isn’t always linked to how high the fever is. It’s important to recognize sickness, manage it, and identify red flags in our babies and children. If your child is presenting with red flags and looks very sick, this may signal a more serious condition.
MYTH: The exact temperature number is what matters most.
FACT: How your child acts is more important than the fever’s number. The temperature is just a clue that something is going on, but their behavior will tell you more. Knowing the red flags in sickness recognition is key.
MYTH: Feeling warm or hot to the touch means they must have a fever.
FACT: Children can feel warm for many reasons, like playing hard or being upset. The only accurate way to know if they have a fever is by using a thermometer. The best option is a digital thermometer under the arm — cheap, accurate, and effective. A rectal temperature is actually the most accurate way of monitoring a temperature, but let’s be honest: this is invasive and has the potential to cause both physical and mental trauma.
MYTH: Fevers above 40°C cause brain damage and febrile convulsions (seizures).
FACT: Febrile convulsions (seizures), though scary to witness, don’t cause brain damage. They occur when the body’s temperature rapidly changes, and most children outgrow them as they age. Even if the temperature rises, it doesn’t automatically mean a seizure will happen. While medical attention is necessary for the underlying illness, febrile seizures often resolve on their own in a few minutes.
In Summary
Overall, fevers are a natural part of your child’s immune system working to fight off infections. While it can be stressful to see your little one unwell, understanding that fever alone is not harmful, and focusing on their overall signs and behavior will help ease some anxiety. Medications like paracetamol or ibuprofen should only be used to make them more comfortable, not to treat the fever itself. Stay informed about red flags and remember to always trust your Sick Sense when caring for your child.
Like what you’ve read and want to dive deeper? Let me help you tap into your “Sick Sense.” It’s an instinctive skill that will become your greatest ally in recognizing and managing your child’s health. Together, we’ll navigate illness with confidence, arming you with knowledge and tools to feel empowered through every fever, sniffle, and cough!
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