Fever is one of the most common reasons that parents seek medical attention for their children.

Parental concerns arise in part because of the belief that fever is a disease rather than a symptom or sign of illness.

Twenty years ago, Barton Schmitt, MD, found that parents had numerous misconceptions about fever. These unrealistic concerns were termed "fever phobia."

A study recently questioned parents and found well over 50% of them were very worried about the potential harm of fever in their children.

Almost half considered 102°F to be a "high" fever, and 7% thought that a temperature could rise to greater than 110°F if left untreated.

Ninety-one percent (91%) of parents believed that a fever could cause harmful effects; 21% listed brain damage, and 14% listed death.

Nearly 15 percent of caregivers gave acetaminophen (eg, Tylenol™), and 44% gave ibuprofen at too frequent dosing intervals.

Of the 73% of caregivers who said that they sponged their child to treat a fever, 24% sponged at temperatures less than 100°F and 18% used alcohol.

Compared with 20 years ago, more caregivers:

• listed seizure as a potential harm of fever

• woke their children

• checked temperatures more often during febrile illnesses

• gave Tylenol or initiated sponging more frequently for normal temperatures

Pediatrics Vol. 107 No. 6 June 2001, pp. 1241-1246

Dr. Mercola's Comments:

Folks most of the people in this country are seriously misinformed about the dangers of fever. If you haven't read the first link below on fevers, please do, as it is one of the most comprehensive articles to date that I have reviewed on this important topic. Many families with young children will want to print that article out or bookmark it so you can have it to refer to in the future. However, it is absolutely amazing how infrequently your children will get sick when they are following the food choice program. We all know that it is far easier to prevent an illness than to treat it. A fever is a backup immune mechanism and should not be suppressed unless absolutely necessary. Good food, adequate rest and the ability to handle stresses are the primary ways to avoid most illnesses. I would also advise avoiding most all of the anti-fever medications unless your child is absolutely miserable or the fever is over 105F. Related Articles: Fever in Children - A Blessing in Disguise Anti-Fever Drugs May Prolong Flu Sponging and fans do not bring fever down