Fever Education: What Every Parent Should Know




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Summary: Fevers can be scary for parents. Learning what causes fevers and how to treat them will ease your anxiety.The flu, RSV, colds, Croup, strep throat, ear infections…they all have one thing in common: they can cause fevers. And as any parent can attest, it’s often the fever itself that freaks you out more than anything and prompts many parents to call their child’s pediatrician or head straight to the emergency room. A fever is usually caused by infections from viruses (such as a cold or the flu) or bacteria (such as strep throat or some ear infections). The fever itself is not the disease; only a sign that the body's defenses are trying to fight an infection. A fever in a newborn should not be taken lightly, but it helps to know when to take action and when to let the fever run its course. When your baby is burning up, it can be hard to think straight and make important decisions. But, learning what causes fevers and how to treat them will ease your anxiety and help you take control of the situation. In this segment, Dr. Melissa Arca shares important and helpful information to guide you through your kids' fevers.