Fever Myths (and Facts)
Robert P. Lindeman, MD, PhD
Natick Pediatrics, PC

• Don't forget to read the article "Fever Demystified" for more information.

MYTH	Fevers cause brain damage.
FACT	Fevers do not cause brain dam-age. Only body temperatures over 108°F can cause brain damage. The body temperature only goes this high because of outside temperatures.
MYTH	Any child can have a seizure from fever.
FACT	Only 4% of children have seizures with fever.
MYTH	Seizures with fever are harmful.
FACT	Seizures with fever are scary to watch, but they are not harmful.
MYTH	You must give medicine to a child with fever.
FACT	You should give medicine if the fever stops the child from drinking or sleeping.
MYTH	Without medicine or baths, temperatures will go up and up.
FACT	Temperatures go up and down if you do nothing at all.
MYTH	With medicine or baths, temperature will become normal.
FACT	Medicines make temperature go down only 2° or 3°F. Temperature will go up again after the medicine wears off.
MYTH	If the temperature is high, the cause is serious.
FACT	IF YOUR CHILD LOOKS VERY SICK, THE CAUSE IS SERIOUS
MYTH	The exact number of the temperature is important.
FACT	HOW YOUR CHILD LOOKS IS IMPORTANT.

For more information about Natick Pediatrics, or to talk to the doctor, please call the office at (508) 655-9699.

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Medical Office Building
MetroWest Medical Center
Leonard Morse Campus
67 Union Street, Suite 305
South Natick, MA 01760

(508) 655-9699
(508) 655-2984 fax

Posted: February 7, 2005

©2005. Robert P. Lindeman, Natick Pediatrics. All rights reserved.