Don't Be Frightened By Child's Low-Grade Fever
By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Fever can not be taken lightly, especially in children.
We know that fever is one of the most common clinical symptoms in children. If the temperature is elevated, it can be a warning sign there are other problems.
The American Academy of Pediatrics warns that we should respect fever but not be frightened by it. The fever is really the body's way to fight infection and sometimes a low-grade fever is not a bad thing.
However, due to advertising and the ready availability of many medications to control fever, there are patients who will turn to medicine every time a temperature is over 99.5 and that is a mistake. If you have children, it is worth your time to talk with your doctor about fever and when there should be concerns.
It is great to talk about this up front.