One-third of U.S. parents give fever-reducing medications to their children when they are not needed

LOS ANGELES – According to a new national survey by CS Mott Children’s Hospital, a third of U.S. parents are giving their children fever-reducing medications when they may not need them.

It may be tempting to give your child something to make them feel more comfortable when they feel unwell, the researchers say, but giving your child this medicine unnecessarily can delay a proper diagnosis by masking pain and other symptoms.

89% of parents agree that low-grade fever helps the child fight infection.

“Fever is a signal that the child is sick and the body is trying to fight the cause. When parents suspect that their child may have a fever, their first decision is whether to have their temperature taken. Some parents do this first. a sign of any problems, while others prefer to monitor their child and probably take into account other factors, such as the presence of additional symptoms in the child, ”the authors of the survey write.

When should you give your child antipyretics?

A report from Motta Children’s Hospital said parents should be aware that taking medication to lower a child’s fever does not necessarily lead to a faster cure for the illness.

In fact, as long as your child has a low-grade fever, this may be the best way to fight the infection.

“This is in line with research showing that at elevated temperatures, our immune cells are more effective in destroying viruses and bacteria that cause infection,” writes Motta Children’s Hospital.

Another alternative to medicine is to simply monitor the temperature. Keep your child comfortable by wearing light clothing and making sure he stays hydrated.

Should I give my child antipyretic drugs before vaccination?

Mot Children’s Hospital writes: “While this has been a common practice in the past, it is not recommended at this time due to concerns that it may reduce the effectiveness of vaccines.”

It can be unsettling to watch your child fight a fever, but it’s actually a sign that their immune system is responding to the vaccine.

However, it is extremely important to monitor your child’s temperature for abnormalities. Obviously, if your child’s fever rises sharply above the subfebrile level, it is advisable to seek medical attention.

When should you see a doctor?