Look Who it Was Random video

Hot Kid Cool Parent

151 views · Published 13 March 2016 · 1:25 · Indexed 27 October 2026

Channel: Lee Health · 2016 · Science & Technology

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Fevers can be a very scary thing for parents. When that thermometer creeps up near or over 100-degrees it’s time to take note – but don’t panic.

“The first thing we look at is how the child is feeling. If they are happily watching TV and 5 minutes ago said ‘mom can I have something to eat’, they’re playing their game you don’t have to do something for that fever - even if it’s 102,” explains Dr. Nancy Witham, a  pediatrician with Lee Memorial Health System.

A fever is not the real problem. An elevated temperature generally means the body is fighting something, an infection or virus. Properly dosed fever reducers can make a child more comfortable and lower the temperature a degree or two. But if they are eating, drinking and resting well, you may want to hold off.

“It’s actually surprisingly better to just let that fever be. There’s good data that suggests that the fever actually helps our immune system fight off that infection. That may actually help them get better a little bit faster,” says Dr. Witham.

When should you fret a fever? If it occurs in an infant younger than 3 months, if your child’s fever lasts more than five days, if it’s higher than 104 or doesn’t come down with fever reducers you should call your physician. But remember to keep your cool.

“You know, there’s a lovely old adage that a hot child requires a cool parent,” says Dr. Witham.

View More Health Matters video segments at leememorial.org/healthmatters/

Lee Memorial Health System in Fort Myers, FL is the largest network of medical care facilities in Southwest Florida and is highly respected for its expertise, innovation and quality of care. For nearly a century, we’ve been providing our community with everything from primary care treatment to highly specialized care services and robotic assisted surgeries.

Visit leememorial.org

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