Monday, September 13, 2010

"Fever Phobia"

I recently read an article that pegged many parents as having "fever phobia". A whopping 91% of parents feared fevers! And no wonder, since many parents believe that fevers are actually THE ILLNESS.
Fever is not a disease in itself... it's an important part of the healing process.
Let me repeat that -- it's an important part of the healing process.
Now, don't get me wrong. It's as uncomfortable to watch my children hot and miserable as it is for any parent. But to break the fever isn't necessary and may not be wise.
Illness-causing "bugs" or microbes thrive at normal body temperatures. So it would make sense that the body raises the core temperature to "squash" the bugs from being able to reproduce. Not only does the fever speed up recovery from the illness but helps to "prune" the immune system so the child maturates and builds an adult immune system (typically completing around 6 yrs old).
And get this -- the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology states that having a fever in the first year of life reduces allergies seen later in childhood!
I'm actually glad that Kallen (my 8 months old) has already had a fever. A nice 103.5 that resolved easily in 24 hours with lots of mommy time, nursing, a couple of chiropractic adjustments, and 1 soaking of vinegar socks to make him a little more comfortable (put socks in vinegar and then put on their feet. Fever will drop 1 degree in 15 minutes).
And for those that fear the height of the fever, the body is fully equiped to protect your child and rarely ever goes above 105 or 106. No damage has been shown to occur until 108 degrees.
When your child is hot, quit watching the thermometer and start watching your child.
Be present, be there with them and release those fears.... your child's body is doing exactly what it's supposed to.

2 comments:

  1. Love it! Great info and reminder!

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  2. Such valuable information Heather! I'm addicted to your blog already! Thank you!

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