Myths and Facts about Fevers

Fact: Fevers are one of the body's protective mechanisms. They turn on the body's immune system and help the body fight infection.

Fact: Fevers with infections don't cause brain damage. Only body temperatures >108°F can cause brain damage. Fevers only go this high with high environmental temperatures (for example, being confined in a closed car on a hot day).

Fact: Only 4% of children can have a febrile seizure.

Fact: Febrile seizures are scary to watch, but they usually stop within 5 minutes. They cause no permanent harm.

Fact: Fevers only need to be treated if they cause discomfort. Usually fevers don't cause any discomfort until they are above 102° or 103°F.

Fact: Fevers from infection top out at 105°F or 106°F or lower, due to the thermostat of the brain.

Fact: With treatment, fevers usually come down 2-3°F.

Fact: Fevers that don't respond to fever medicine can be caused by viruses or bacteria. It doesn't relate to the seriousness of the infection.

Fact: If your child looks very sick, the cause is serious.

Fact: How your child looks is what is important.

Fact: Oral temperatures between 98.7°F and 100°F are normal temperature variations -- often peaking in the late afternoon and evening. (For rectal, normal elevations are 99.5°F-100.3°F.)