The latest National Child Health Poll from the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne found two thirds of Australian parents often or always give their child over-the-counter medication to treat a fever, even when they are otherwise well and comfortable, with many parents waking their child through the night to give them medication.
Poll data suggests many parents have misunderstandings about fever. Despite how common fevers are in children, the report found one in three parents mistakenly believe fever is always a sign of serious illness and 40 per cent mistakenly believe fever can cause death.
The poll of 2,014 parents of children aged between one month and 17 years found:
- Australian parents report over half (58 per cent) of children aged less than five years have had a fever in the past three months.
- One in three parents say they would always or often visit the GP if their child had a fever and one in 10 would always or often visit an emergency department.
- Younger parents, parents who spoke a language other than English at home and single parents more commonly held misbeliefs about harm associated with fever.
Dr Anthea Rhodes, paediatrician and Director of the RCH National Child Health Poll, said a fever is a sign that the body’s immune system is working and is a normal response to an infection. In Australian children aged over three months, fever is most commonly caused by a mild viral illness, and is not a sign of something more serious.
‘Fevers are extremely common and most children with fever can be safely cared for at home,’ said Dr Rhodes.
‘However, our latest report shows that there is a misunderstanding among Australian parents that if left untreated, fever can cause severe illness, seizures or fits, brain damage, coma or even death.’
When to worry
Children aged less than three months with a fever should always be seen by a healthcare provider, but Dr Rhodes says that when kids are over three months of age, parents should also look for other signs of illness to help them decide what actions to take.
‘It can be tricky for parents to know when to see the doctor if their child has a fever,’ said Dr Rhodes.
‘If children have a fever as well as other symptoms suggesting they are unwell, such as vomiting, a rash, problems with breathing, pain that doesn’t improve, or a stiff neck, that’s when they should go to see their doctor. If a fever has been present for more than three days this is also a reason to seek medical review.
‘Of course, if the child is younger than three months, they should seek medical advice regardless of whether they also have other symptoms.’
Fever myths
While most Australian parents appropriately care for their child at home if they have a fever, Dr Rhodes says there are still some common myths and outdated practices in the community.
‘Fever itself doesn’t need medication, but sometimes there are accompanying symptoms, such as pain or discomfort, that can be treated with over-the-counter medications,’ she said.
‘It’s important to try and keep your child comfortable while they have a fever, but trying to cool them down is not recommended. We don’t advise that parents remove clothing or put children in a cool bath or shower to try and lower their temperature.
‘It’s important for parents to remember that a fever alone does not need treatment if the child is comfortable and otherwise well. In some instances, fever is a sign of more serious underlying illness requiring medical review and treatment,’ said Dr Rhodes.
‘In these situations, children will usually have additional signs and symptoms to indicate there is a more serious illness present. Parents know their child best, so if they are worried, they should contact their health care provider for advice.’
Visit rchpoll.org.au to read the complete report, Figuring out fever: What do parents know and do?
