Children’s Fever: One of the most frequent causes for parents to take their kids to the doctor is a fever, particularly if it appears to be happening often. Common viral illnesses, such as the common cold, exanthematous fever, and seasonal tropical diseases, often afflict infants and young children aged 1 to 6. Frequent cold and fever episodes may be concerning and upsetting for the youngster as well as their family.
It’s normal to be concerned, but not all fevers indicate a serious condition. Unfortunately, the continued prevalence of outdated misconceptions and false information about paediatric fevers often results in needless anxiety, excessive medicine, and subpar treatment.
But it’s time to dispel the widespread misconceptions and provide the truth about children’s recurring colds and fevers. There are a number of reasons why children become sick a lot in their early years, but none of them are reliable. Dr Janaki Ballav Pradhan, Senior Consultant-Paediatrics at Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, discusses the true causes of children’s recurrent colds and fevers with Jagran English.
Myths vs. Facts Regarding Childhood Fever Myth: Recurrence of illness is caused by children’s weakened immunity
Fact: Due to increased exposure at this time, infants and toddlers are at a higher risk of illness. Because they have not been exposed to a variety of viruses, which subsequently shield them against illness once they are exposed to or acquire specialised antibodies to that particular virus or bacterium, their immune systems have not developed to the same extent as those of older children.
Myth: Diet and vaccination were ineffective in avoiding certain diseases.
Facts: These two measures, together with nutrition and active vaccination, are crucial in safeguarding this susceptible group. Immunisation against certain bacteria or viruses will either destroy the pathogens within the body or stop them from entering. A nutritious diet promotes the appropriate maturation of immune cells, which aids in the development of natural immunity. A diet rich in antioxidants, such as vitamins, copper, manganese, and zinc, aids in the destruction of those organisms.
Myth: Having a fever lowers immunity
Fact: Immunity has nothing to do with fever. Fever is really a sign of an immunological response the body has to germs, according to Dr. Janaki Ballav Pradhan. Children who suffer from chronic illnesses are more susceptible to infection because their immune is weakened or suppressed.
Myth: In cases of fever of any severity, antipyretics such as paracetamol should be used.
Fever should be checked and recorded throughout the first two to three days of sickness so that antipyretics may be administered when the temperature rises beyond 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Dr Janaki Ballav Pradhan. Applying tepid sponging, also known as lukewarm water sponging, to the entire body—not just the head—will instantly lower the temperature.
Myth: A high temperature indicates a serious illness
Fever is not a sign of the severity of the disease, whether it is high or low grade; rather, it is the body’s defence mechanism against microbes. While many low-grade fevers are signs of serious illness, many high-grade fevers are innocuous. Therefore, in order to identify the pattern, each kid who has a fever at home has to have documentation. Certain fevers, such as TB, typhoid, and malaria, have a characteristic pattern that provides a diagnostic hint.
Myth: Antibiotics should be taken if the fever is high grade and longer than 24 hours
Fact: Since many children’s fevers are caused by common viruses, they often resolve on their own with only supportive care and antipyretic medication. You should see your local paediatrician if your child’s fever symptoms last more than two to three days, they are not feeling well during the afebrile phase, and they start to exhibit new symptoms including rashes, coughing, chest discomfort, or stomach pain.
