http://64.41.99.118/vran/news_art/articles/fear_of_fever.htm

IS FEAR OF FEVER HURTING OUR CHILDREN?

By Edda West - VRAN Newsletter January-March, 2003
2003 Vaccination Risk Awareness Network Inc. CANADA

As paradigms go in the world of disease management, there is none more
deeply ingrained than the fear driven belief that without vaccinations we
are doomed to attack from legions of killer diseases. It's shadow partner,
"fear of fever" compels us to suppress fever whenever it arises and insures
our captivity to monopoly, sickness oriented medicine. The
medical/pharmaceutical empire flogs us with these tactics, imprinting fear
in the collective psyche, the favourite tool with which they dominate the
masses and usher us down the slippery slope of health breakdown and drug
dependency.

Vaccinations and fever suppressants, along with the overuse of antibiotics
and exposure to multiple chemical contaminants in the environment, are at
the root of the decline in children's health and vitality, manifesting at
large in the disablement of immune function, neurological function, and
upsurge of chronic diseases in large segments of society today. Children in
particular have been hit hard as they are the most vulnerable members of
society. New evidence is now emerging that fever suppressant drugs may be
another contributing factor to the explosive epidemic of neurodevelopmental
disorders like autism.

As loving and caring parents, we naturally want to help our children feel
better when the inevitable fevers, flus, colds and various illnesses arise
in childhood. Many will reach for popular over-the-counter remedies to
suppress fever and alleviate symptoms in the belief that these products are
reliable, effective, and safe. But how safe are they really? And what are
the risks when fever is suppressed and symptoms masked? Does fever have a
critical function in fighting sickness that we have lost sight of?

There is plenty of scientific evidence validating the benefits of fever in
fighting viral/bacterial inflammations and it's important role in the
healing process. Fever increases survival rate during infectious diseases -
basic information that has yet to reach the majority of people who remain
misinformed and misled by pharmaceutical and medical propaganda which still
shamelessly advocates the use of antipyretic drugs at the first sign of
fever. The myth that untreated fevers will lead to seizures and brain
damage is perpetuated ad nauseam. Fever is maligned, misunderstood and seen
as an enemy to be feared rather than an ally that signals the immune system
gearing up for action.

(Read the full article at the above link)

Thanks jenn, that's an awesome article. I read the whole thing. I noticed once upon a time on an older thread that a lot of mamas only pull out the tylenol and such for very high fevers and that some don't pull it out at all. this is good encouragement.

We don't even have tylenol in the house. I am very anti-fever reducers.

I do not use them much. Sam vomits constantly when her fever reaches 101.5. She will vomit and/or dry heave until it is below that. It is quite scary and frustrating. Before this started, I only gave it with fevers over 103 and then only is they were visibly uncomfortable. Now, I have learned how to give it by suppository as Sam can't keep anything down, even breastmilk when this happens. In Oct. she was only admitted to the hospital with pneumonia because she was severely dehydrated from vomiting so much. Luckily, the last fever she had ran its course, even over 103 without vomiting and without a reducer. I hope she has outgrown this. It started about 6 to 8 months ago.

I haven't read the full article yet, but I am concerned about the overuse of fever reducing drugs. Fevers have a purpose. I heard recently that children who've had at least one major fever before the age of one (or two) are much less likely to develop allergies:

http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/feb2004/niaid-09.htm


I have, however, used tylenol/ibuprofen a couple of times at night time when I was completely wiped out and needed the boys to sleep a bit better.

I never treated my first dd's fevers (I just nursed her during the night...plus she didn't have very high fevers), but with the twins I felt like I was going to go crazy if they both want to be latched on all night for a few nights in a row because they're not well.

:thumbsup: excellent article! as a nurse, i am dismayed at the lack of parental education where fever is concerned. i remember when i was in college and we learned the pathophysiological events involved in a fever (wish i could remember all that now ;) ) i was amazed and at that point stopped medicating my own fevers (adults get them so rarely, but i was the type that would get achey at a temp of 99 and take 2 tylenol :rolleyes: )
i have given both of my boys some tylenol and/or motrin when they are just downright feeling crappy. i think tucker has had it maybe 3 times in his life and griffin has gotten some ibuprofen this last week for some killer teething pains (or so i assume, as his upper gums are swollen and blanched and 2 bottom teeth have erupted).
but that's off topic, as they were not medicated for fevers, only for discomfort.

I only give Tylenol or Motrin to the boys if they appear very uncomfortable or the temperature is 104+. I have to say that I have a 9yo right now that just took some Tylenol...his temperature was 104.3 and he was laying on the couch screaming in pain...now, he is up and eating some soup...his first meal all day.

I always use medications with caution.

griffin has gotten some ibuprofen this last week for some killer teething pains (or so i assume, as his upper gums are swollen and blanched and 2 bottom teeth have erupted).

Before I tried it, I had lots of moms recommend this product for teething and it really works. Hylands teething tablets. That one is so popular, I've seen it at Raley's, Rite Aid and of course your local NF store would have it.

:) Jennifer

Originally posted by skyblue
Before I tried it, I had lots of moms recommend this product for teething and it really works. Hylands teething tablets. That one is so popular, I've seen it at Raley's, Rite Aid and of course your local NF store would have it.

:) Jennifer

we've been using hyland's all along --- not doing the trick :(

So timely for me. I totally agree, but. . . here's where I need help. I totally agree and my goal is not to medicate so that I can allow the fever to do it's job. So, this afternoon I go pick up dd at daycare and she has a lowgrade fever. No problem. I actually figure we'll have some snuggle time for the rest of the night. Typically, when she has a fever, she is fine so long as she is being held. Quite snuggly, actually. But, this evening, she was miserable. Could not stop crying, could not be comforted. Nothing worked (and I was calm about the whole thing). Her fever only got up to 102, but she was so unhappy that I did medicate. Many times she gets up to 105 and we do not because we are able to comfort her, but even though her fever was lower, she was so miserable.

What would others have done instead? Breast didn't work, snuggling didn't work, removal of clothing didn't work, quiet calm singing didn't work.

We always try homeopathics (or herbs) and if I can get her to take a bath, I do. Christine is usually very flush and hot when she has a fever, so our main one is Belladona. Aconitum is great in the begining. I also keep a wet wash rag on the back of her neck (there again, if she'll let me).

Hope you get lots of ideas (I am always curious what others do because not every fever is the same). Esp. since I too have used tylenol in the past but I am trying to avoid it.


Jennifer

Hyland's tablets didn't work for simone either (worked wonders for Ara!!) but hyland's teething gel did, so you might just try it in another medium.

I have found massage helps a lot when feverish and miserable (or miserable at anytime). I massage areas where lymph nodes are plentiful. I use a slightly warmed oil. Also, I might just massage the feet if doing a larger area causes a chill. A room temp (not too cool) damp (barely wet) rag to wipe the forehead helps some times. Taking off socks has helped bring a fever down. We still keep the feet covered if chilled but more loosely than socks would allow.

I also investigate what might be causing the discomfort. Earaches get oil and garlic. Teething gets Hyland's or cold wet wash cloth. A tummy ache might get some mint or chamomile tea. Etc.

Most of the time i let my sons fever play out ..i give him lots of fluids and snuggle him up on the couch. The last fever he had got up to 104 in a short time so to help bring it down and make him a bit more comforatble, i gave him catnip and chamomile tea. It worked beautifully!! It brought his fever down a bit and helped him relax enough to fall asleep.


Julia

I just bought Herbs for Kids Temp Assure and it has catnip in it. Traditional Medicinals Nighty night tea also has catnip (and Chamomile) but I am unsure if that would be enough to help with a fever.

Julia, glad to hear someone had success with catnip and chamomile because Temp Assure is what I'll be trying next time around. :thumbsup:

Jennifer

Thank you Jennifer for posting that. Today I am filled with self-doubt, and that was so nice andaffirming that my instincts are if not right I'm at least not the only one who thinks that way. River is quite sick, with a fever and probably a bit of gastro. )Honestly it has been a nice break from his usual non-stop activity.
I also use Belladonna (sp) for fevers with great success. I use something called Complex DIA for gastro, but that may be made by a local company and not apply in the US

anni

Sorry your son is not well. Hope his body will heal quickly.

Jennifer