According to a recent survey conducted by researchers from the University of Michigan (USA), one in three parents give their children fever medicine when it is not needed.
In total, between August and September 2022, 1,376 responses were collected from parents of children up to 12 years old. Parents often worry when their child has a fever and do everything possible to reduce their temperature . However, they probably don’t know that, in general, the most important thing is to ensure the child’s comfort, explains Susan Woolford co-director of the Mott Poll and a pediatrician.
“Some parents rush to give their children medicine. But, it is often better to let the fever develop without intervention. Lowering a child’s temperature generally does not help the illness heal faster,” explains Dr. Woolford.
Beware of side effects
In fact, a low fever acts as a weapon to help fight the infection. There is also a risk of causing some side effects by giving your child too much medicine.
In addition, depending on the method used to take the temperature, the result could be different. In the case of young children, the most accurate method of temperature measurement is rectal.
Pediatrician Susan Woolford does not recommend using devices placed directly on the forehead. “The method used to take a child’s temperature is important for an accurate result.
Frontal measurements may be inaccurate if the device is placed too far or if the child’s forehead is sweaty.
Ear thermometers are not recommended for newborns, as earwax can interfere and distort the result.
The specialist also draws parents’ attention to the use of drugs that can mask the symptoms.
“Medications used to lower the temperature also treat the pain. But frequently, pain is a sign that helps locate the source of an infection. By masking the pain, anti-fever drugs can delay the diagnosis and, therefore, the time to administer the correct treatment.”
Dr. Woodford points out that it’s important for parents to note the times their child takes the medication to avoid overdose.
When a child has 37.9 degrees Celsius with a rhinitis, no antibiotics are given, no paracetamol is given. In these cases, a bath and constant supervision are recommended. When an infant under three months has a fever of 39 degrees, then it is recommended to consult a doctor urgently, call 112.
