fever phobia

By: Dr. Melissa King

So, Audrey and Ethan both had a summer virus recently, first Ethan one week and then Audrey the next. Interestingly they were acting ok – drinking, eating, and playful. The only major symptoms were fever – spiking up to 102.6 ^oF and fussiness when the fever would spike. Audrey complained of some headaches off and on, but that was really it! (Well, ok, if I am to be completely honest, maybe their activity levels were down a bit and instead of seeing that as a problem I may have savored the rest just a little bit.) But they were drinking ok, peeing ok, not having trouble breathing, not vomiting, and no diarrhea. I kind of enjoyed the increased snuggles and cuddles. At least now looking back I didJ

But the fevers!!

I must admit that when I see the thermometer from taking my child’s temperature rise above 102.5^oF it makes me a bit squeamish. I seem to go more into mom mode and I have to remind myself to go back into doctor mode. I do not want to suffer from fever phobia… and I do not want you to suffer from it either.

Fever phobia – the fear of fevers… dun…da.. Dun.. dun… duuuuunnnn!

Let me dispel your fears.

• See your doctor if your child’s fever lasts more then 3-4 days, they are having trouble breathing, not peeing very often, develop a rash, have vomiting or diarrhea.
• If your child is under the age of 3 months and develops a fever go straight the children’s emergency department and disregard this information until your child is older.
• For children who have underlying medical complications and even everyone else, review this information with your doctor, as they know you and your child best!

Best of luck with the return to school and the sharing of all of those germs and illness! Wash hands frequently and stay safe!

Dr. King is a general pediatrician in the Children’s Health Clinic at Dayton Children’s and the mother of two kids. As part of the “Dr. Mom Sqaud,” Dr. King blogs about her experiences as both as doctor and a mom and hopes to share insight to other parents on issues related to both parenting and kids health. Learn more about Dr. King!