Pediatrician issues stark warning to parents as she breaks down the myths about kids having fevers
An emergency room pediatrician has revealed crucial advice for treating fevers in children as she breaks down the myths surrounding high temperature and illness.
The important information was shared on TikTok this week by Florida-based Dr. Meghan Martin, who goes by the username @beachgem10 on social media.
Dr. Martin often takes to TikTok to share her various tips, tricks and wisdoms – and this time, she broke down everything parents need to know about fevers in young children.
‘The number one reason that parents bring their kids to the emergency departments is for the fever,’ she began.
‘The number on the thermometer is the most distressing part of their illness,’ she continued.
The pediatrician explained that there is often a lot of ‘anxiety’ that come with the ‘myths’ of having a fever over 104 degrees.
A fever this high is one that should be treated by a doctor, and is often associated with concerns like potential brain damage and seizures.
However, Dr. Martin said that there is no truth to the fact that a fever alone can cause brain damage – it’s often illnesses like meningitis that can cause a high fever and brain damage, but it’s the infection that’s causing this, not the high temperature.
The important information was shared on TikTok this week by Florida-based Dr. Meghan Martin, who goes by the username @beachgem10 on social media
‘Seizures can happen in any temperature, it doesn’t have to be 104,’ the pediatrician explained.
‘A lot of people think the higher the fever, the more severe illness, and that’s no truth to that either,’ she continued, explaining that some of the highest fevers she’s seen are from Roseola, which is a common viral infection.
Dr. Martin said that fevers start at 100.4 Fahrenheit (or 38 degrees Celsius).
‘Fevers are our friends, it’s our bodies’ way of fighting infection,’ she said.
Dr. Martin explained that as long as your sick child is not in a high-risk category, the most important thing to do is not to look at the number on the thermometer, but look at the kid.
She said you need to observe whether your child is dehydrated, having trouble breathing, responding properly, or any other concerns.
If they check some of these boxes, it’s time to head to the doctors office.
‘The most common reason the temperature will not come all the way down is that the medication dose is not appropriate for the kiddo, so you can talk to your pharmacist or their pediatrician,’ she said.
‘The number one reason that parents bring their kids to the emergency departments is for the fever,’ she began (stock image)
Dr. Martin begged the audience to stop spending so much money on fancy ear thermometers, as they’re not always accurate.
Instead, she recommended the simple digital, $12 ones that you can buy at the drugstore, explaining that for younger kids, a rectal temperature works the best and for older kids, under the tongue or armpit is best.
‘Because we are not treating the number, we are treating the kid, we’re gonna give them fever medicine when they get uncomfortable, especially if they’re not drinking,’ Dr. Martin said.
‘They do lose more fluids when they have a fever, so make sure they’re staying hydrated.’
She concluded by sharing that there is no certain high number that should prompt you to bring your child to the emergency room – if your child looks sick, that’s when it’s time to make the trip.
‘If your kiddo has a fever and they’re running around and they’re comfortable, hand them something to drink,’ the pediatrician said.
‘If your kiddo has a fever and they’re uncomfortable, hand them something to drink and some ibuprofen or some Tylenol,’ she continued.
‘If your kiddo has a fever and they’re struggling to breathe, they do not look well, they’re not responding to you, they’re getting dehydrated, or you have other concerns, it’s time to head to the emergency department,’ Dr. Martin concluded.
