A fever is a good thing… and it can be a child’s best friend.
A fever is not itself a disease. Instead it is the body’s natural ability to help combat and overcome disease.
Fevers are evidence that the immune system is hard at work and is really a healthy response to an invader.
MYTH: Always give anti-fever medication for fever.
FACT: According to studies at the University of Maryland 1978-87 quelling a fever can actually prolong the illness. I this study for influenza those who did not take fever medication, their symptoms lasted 5.3 days. In those who took anti-fever drugs , their flu symptoms lasted for 8.8 days.
A fever not repressed by paracetamol or similar anti-fever medication will more rapidly defend the body and bring lifelong immunity or significant protection to most childhood diseases.
MYTH: Fevers damage the brain.
FACT: Unless the child is in a hot place or is overdressed the brain’s thermostat will stop the fever at around 40degrees centregrade. Fevers below 42..2 degrees C do not damage the brain. Once the child gets the chills and the sweats,…the fever has peaked and the body is cooling down.
So a fever is really good for your child; it is natures way of killing off the invader. (THE EXCEPTION is a child under 3 months with a fever of 38 degrees or over. In this instance medical intervention is needed.)