articles
Topic: Common Concerns
February 2009
Fever
The average normal body temperature is 98.6°F. For babies and children, a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) is considered a fever. “Fever Phobia” is what pediatricians call this intense fear that many parents have of fever in a child. But fever is only a symptom, not something to fear. Fever can’t hurt a kid. In fact, there are only a few circumstances in which we actually are concerned about a fever at all.
Most of the time, the height of the fever is of no interest to us. That means that there is no such thing as a fever that is “too high.” Fever won’t cook a kid’s brain. There is no “magic number” that means parents should rush to the hospital or doctor’s office. Honestly. However, there are a few rules about when a kid with a fever should see the doctor, depending on his age, health and other symptoms. In If Your Kid Eats This Book, there is actually a whole chapter dedicated to knowing when a kid with a fever needs to be seen by the doctor and when you can stay home. And you’ll learn why Grandma thinks fevers cause seizures.
Coughs and Colds
Many parents worry that their kid is having “too many” colds. But the average annual number of colds is around ten a year in healthy children! Kids tend to snot all over one another and spread infections with amazing rapidity. The good news is that a ton of colds during childhood may translate into fewer colds as he gets older. Is there anything you can do to help him feel better and when should a kid with a “cold” see the doctor?
A cold, or upper respiratory infection, is a viral infection that attacks the nose and throat (upper airways). And unfortunately they are terribly common. So common, in fact, that you’ll find information on coughs and colds in both Chapter 2 and Chapter 5. You’ll also learn why kids shouldn’t be given cough and cold medicine. Sometimes a kid with a “cold” may actually need medical attention, but most healthy kids will get better in a about a week. Unless they catch another cold immediately afterwards!
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"WHAT I LIKED: This book is written in a funny, down to earth way that doesn't make you feel like an idiot. I really would have appreciated something like this when my kids were really little and I freaked out over everything they put in their mouths. It has a scenario/question and answer format, with clear answers on when not to panic and when to call 911."
- Chic Book Chick
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