🩺 Fever is NOT the Enemy!
Tis the season for constant coughs and runny noses, for vomiting and diarrhea, for sore throats, and most definitely, for fevers! One of the most common reasons I get panicked calls from parents is because their child has a fever. “What if it’s too high?”, “Every time the medicine wears off, the fever comes back!”, “Should we go to the ER?” I get it, when your little one feels sick, you get nervous. But here’s the truth: most fevers aren’t dangerous at all!
Fevers are our friend! Fevers are the body’s way of fighting an infection. When our body sees foreign invaders (viruses, bacteria, etc.), our thermoregulatory center raises our body temperature to slow down growth and reproduction of these foreign invaders.
Let’s clear up some of the biggest fever myths I hear every week in my office.
🔥 Myth #1: A high fever always means something serious
Truth: The height of the fever doesn’t tell us how sick your child is. What matters more is how your child looks and acts.A child with a 104°F fever who’s drinking fluids, smiling between naps, and playing a little is less concerning than a child with a 101°F fever who’s very lethargic, having labored breathing, or won’t drink.
🧊 Myth #2: You should try to “bring the fever down” right away
Truth: Fever is the body’s natural way of fighting infection. You don’t have to rush to get rid of it. The goal is to make your child comfortable, not to make the thermometer read “normal.”If your child feels miserable, you can use acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin) as directed by your pediatric provider but letting the fever run its course can help the immune system do its job.
🛁 Myth #3: Cold baths or rubbing alcohol can break a fever
Truth: Please don’t! These can actually make your child shiver and raise their body temperature even more.Instead, try light clothing and plenty of fluids.
🚫Myth #4: Medication should make the fever go away completely
Truth: Fever reducing medications will generally decrease the fever by about 1-3 degrees Fahrenheit. It is ok if the fever doesn’t completely resolve with meds. Remember, the goal is comfort! As the medication wears off, the fever may also return.
🧸 Myth #5: Every fever needs antibiotics
Truth: Most fevers in kids are caused by viruses, not bacteria — and antibiotics only work for bacterial infections.Overusing antibiotics can make them less effective when your child really needs them.
☎️ When to Call Your Pediatric Provider
Call your doctor if your child:
Is younger than 3 months and has a fever over 100.4°F (38°C)
Is immunocompromised and has a fever over 100.4°F (38°C)
Has a fever for more than 3 days
Is very sleepy, irritable, or not drinking fluids
Has trouble breathing or has persistent vomiting
If you’re ever unsure, it’s ALWAYS okay to call — that’s what we’re here for!
Bottom line: Fevers are often the body’s superhero response — not the enemy. With rest, hydration, and comfort measures, most kids bounce back beautifully.
💙 Nicholle Bruhn, Pediatric NP, Susan Connelly, Pediatric NP, Dr. Schmit, Dr. Schlueter, and the rest of the Omaha Childrens Clinic team are here to help local families with compassionate, same-day pediatric care. If you ever have questions about your child’s health, give us a call at 402-330-5690 or stop by at 19102 Q St. #102!
