Watch CBS News

Study: Don't Fret Over Fever-Phobia

CHICAGO (WBBM) -- Fever phobia is rampant among parents of young children, but the American Academy of Pediatrics says a fever might not be such a worry.

AS WBBM Newsradio 780's Dave Marsett reports, Dr. Henry Farrar, co-author of the report and an emergency room pediatrician, says fever is one of the most common reasons people bring their child to the doctor.

LISTEN: Newsradio 780's Dave Marsett reports

Podcast

The report says most often, kids' fevers are caused by viruses and they will go away without medicine and without causing any damage.

Dr. Farrar says parents tend to over-treat fevers, even waking up sleeping kids to give them fever-reducing medicine.

The report said there was no hard proof that untreated fevers lead to seizures or brain damage; there was also no evidence that lowering fevers reduced illness.

(TM and © Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS Radio and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.