4 Reasons You Should Let A Fever Run Its Course

If there’s one health issue that sends concerned parents running to call their pediatricians in a panic, it’s a fever. And as any parent can sympathize, that fear is a warranted one. After all, what’s the difference between a fever where you can simply make your kid comfortable, give lots of fluids, and wait it out, and a fever that’s a sign of something more serious—something that warrants a visit right away?

It’s because of these very fears and questions that parents are often left scratching their heads when they’re told that in many cases—especially for children older than 6 months—a low-grade fever can actually be a good thing. (Yes, really.) Let me explain.

A fever is the body’s normal immune response to bacteria and viruses, and the more the body temperature rises, the harder it is for these germs to survive. What’s more, fever also stimulates the immune system into producing more white blood cells, antibodies, and a protein called interferon, all of which work to protect your child against harmful microorganisms.

That said, there is a fine line for when a fever goes from being a useful, disease-fighting tool to something more dangerous. So, when is a fever too high for a child?

Too often, parents reach straight for fever-reducing medications like Tylenol or Motrin. But unless your pediatrician has specifically recommended medication, I generally advise that parents hold off and give your child’s fever a chance to do its job.

Having said that, here are some guidelines for parents and caregivers wondering, “When is a fever too high for a child?”

• For an infant under 3 months old: A rectal temperature of 100.4 F or above is cause for serious concern. Go to an emergency room or pediatrician’s office immediately.
• For babies 3 months to 1 year old: With a temperature of 100.4 F or above, it’s a good idea to call your pediatrician for advice, depending on your baby’s medical history.
• For children over 1: Temperatures between 100.4 F and 104 F may seem serious but are probably a normal part of a common illness like a cold or virus.

BE AWARE: Brain damage occurs at 107.6 F and above.

1. Fever-reducing medicine masks symptoms

When children are feverish, they usually lie around, eat very little, and take frequent naps. When you treat a fever with medication, they feel better and become more active, when they really need more rest and to stay still while their bodies fight the virus.

2. All medication has side effects

Children’s pain and fever medications—whether in liquid or chewable form—are full of artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, and preservatives, ingredients that parents should avoid giving to their child. While acetaminophen and ibuprofen are usually safe if taken correctly, long-term use of acetaminophen can cause liver toxicity. Ibuprofen can cause stomach upset or increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding—especially if taken in excess and on an empty stomach.

3. Fever helps the body heal

Evidence shows that fever is beneficial to the healing process, triggering the immune response and preventing viruses and bacteria from replicating. One study showed that flu sufferers who suppressed their fevers with medications were sick for more than three days longer than those who took no medication.

4. Fever reducers contribute to the spread of flu

Often, well-meaning parents end up doing more harm than good by giving their feverish children medication to make them feel better and bring down their fever, and then taking their still highly contagious kids out in public where they can infect others. Researchers estimate that in an average flu season, fever-reducing medications could lead to tens of thousands of extra flu cases and at least a thousand flu deaths.

There are times when a fever, possibly in combination with other symptoms, warrants a trip to your pediatrician. These include:

• A rectal temperature of 100.4 degrees or more in an infant less than 3 months old. Young babies are more at risk for certain serious bacterial infections and fever is an indication of these.
• A fever that lasts more than five days.
• High fever accompanied by lethargy, meaning that your child is limp and unresponsive, won’t make eye contact, has no energy, and generally just looks and acts really sick.
• High fever accompanied by any of the symptoms of meningitis: an unusual skin rash, severe headache, aversion to light, confusion, and a stiff or painful neck.
• Constant, inconsolable crying.

The old adage that says “feed a cold, starve a fever” is actually wrong. You should feed both, if your child feels like eating. The main thing is to try to make your child comfortable while the fever runs its course.

• Encourage your child to eat small meals, but a low appetite is normal
• Make sure your child drinks lots of fluids and stays hydrated for the duration of the fever
• Put a blanket on your child if they feel chilled
• Dress your child in loose clothing that can be removed when they feel hot

When to take your child to the doctor for fever

If your child’s fever is not getting better after a day or two and they seem very uncomfortable, this might mean that something more serious than a cold or the flu is going on. To know for sure, you should make an appointment with your pediatrician to rule out other causes for their temperature.

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