By Dr. Tony Garrow

This winter has not been much of a winter, but the amount of colds, flu's, and fevers have been as high as ever. I am sure you probably know somebody who has had a bad cold or fever this year. Many people are confused over what to do about a fever. There are many misconceptions, wives-tales, and false information out there about fevers. Should you let a fever alone and not treat it? Can a fever cause seizures? Is a fever a good thing or a bad thing?

To answer all of these questions and more, I decided to take some words from the great pediatrician, Dr. Robert Mendelsohn, in his book How to Raise a Healthy Child. in Spite of Your Doctor. This book contains so much valuable information including an entire chapter just on fevers. The following are facts taken from this book.

Did you know that the magic number of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit is not the normal body temperature for everyone? It is an average. Many people normally have a higher or lower temperature than 98.6 degrees and it may even fluctuate throughout the day. One's temperature can change for reasons other than being sick such as dehydration or following a meal.

According to this book, not all fevers require immediate medical attention. So, which ones do? "Most of the fevers that spell serious trouble are the result of poisoning, or exposure to toxic substances in the environment, and to causes that lead to 'heat stroke' (p.75)." If your child is continually vomiting, not taking in liquids, having respiratory difficulties or is showing signs of confusion or has some other extreme symptoms, then call the doctor. A fever may actually go as high as 105 degrees and still not be a medical emergency. However, you should call the doctor if the fever lasts more than 3 days or "your child looks and acts really sick (p. 81)." "Prudence demands that you take your newborn baby to the doctor if he runs a fever of any level during the first few months of life (p.77)." In general, you do not need to panic over most fevers.

When is it ok to just let the fever run its course? "Most fevers are caused by viral and bacterial infections that the body's own defense mechanism will overcome without medical help (p.77)." In this case the child's temperature may go up to 105 degrees and the only danger is dehydration. Kids with fevers caused by viruses and bacteria usually also have runny noses and coughs. "If your child has a fever resulting from infection, resist the temptation to use drugs or sponging to bring it down. Let the fever run its course (p. 81)." "There is no need to call the doctor or to give any form of medications if no other symptoms are present, because there is nothing he or you can prescribe that will cure a viral infection or dispose of a bacterial infection any more effectively than the body's own defense will. Medications given to relieve discomfort may interfere with the body's efforts to cure itself (p. 78)." So, it is safe and effective to let a fever alone.

What about seizures? The body has an unexplainable trait that will not let a fever go above 105 degrees if caused by a virus or bacteria. "Fevers produced by viral or bacterial infections will not cause brain damage or permanent physical harm (p. 82)." "High fevers do not cause convulsions. They result when the temperature rises at an extremely rapid rate (p. 83)." "It is estimated that only 4 percent of children with high fever experience fever-related convulsions (p.85.)." This should set your mind at ease.

At the end of Mendelsohn's chapter on fevers he gives some great advice including: having your child drink 8 ounces of fluid every hour, try to get your child to rest, don't starve a fever, don't pile the blankets on your child if they get chills, and just monitor your child for any abnormal symptoms that you do not see with a typical cold (86-88). Please call me at 732-974-1474 for more information on alternatives to medicine for fevers including chiropractic care.

How to Raise A Healthy Child.in Spite of Your Doctor; Robert S. Mendelsohn, M.D.; pp. 73-88; 1984.