A fever is a temporary rise in body temperature above the hypothalamic set point and it’s often due to an infection. It is part of the body’s immune response, helping to fight off bacteria or viruses. For most healthy children, allowing a mild fever to run its course can be safe and may even be beneficial.
Doctors say that a fever is the body’s sign that it is fighting an infection and a mild fever is good for the body.
New Delhi: The cold months of the year are here, and so is the time of being most vulnerable to seasonal infections like cold, flu, and fever. At this time, from wearing extra clothes to limiting outdoor trips to using a heater and even popping pills as and when needed, people do it all to dodge cold and fever. At a time when antibiotic resistance is at an all-time high, many are moving towards medication-free ways of recovering from infections and other uncomplicated problems like a fever. Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor, too, took to social media to ask fans whether or not it is safe to let children fight a fever naturally.
A mother-of-one, Kapoor’s query made many think about the possibilities that one is exposed to when a non-fatal condition such as a fever is left to be treated naturally. Doctors say that a fever is the body’s sign that it is fighting an infection and a mild fever is good for the body. However, doctors say that depending on the severity and the child’s age, one must decide the course of action. Experts say that a lot depends on the temperature as well.
In an interaction with News9Live, Dr. Shrey Kumar Srivastav, Senior Consultant at Sharda Hospital, spoke about recovering from a fever without medication.
A fever is a temporary rise in body temperature above the hypothalamic set point and it’s often due to an infection. It is part of the body’s immune response, helping to fight off bacteria or viruses. For most healthy children, allowing a mild fever to run its course can be safe and may even be beneficial. However, it is crucial to monitor the child closely, ensure hydration, and watch for any signs of serious illness.
“Medically, it’s generally acceptable not to treat a low-grade fever (below 102°F or 38.9°C) if the child is comfortable, drinking fluids, and acting relatively normal. any fever (≥100.4°F or 38°C) needs immediate medical attention, as their immune systems are still developing. Additionally, children with a history of febrile seizures or chronic health issues may require more cautious monitoring and treatment. But always consult with a healthcare professional and let them decide that treatment is required or not because any kind of negligence may harm children,” said Dr Srivastav.
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