A parent may overreact if a child develops a fever.
Site Where Temperature Taken
Temperature Defining Fever
rectal
> 38°C
oral
> 37.8°C
axillary
> 37.2°C
Neurologic sequelae from fever are rare for temperatures < 41.7°C (107°F).
A parent who has unrealistic or exaggerated misconceptions about fever and its complications is said to have a fever phobia.
Consequences of fever phobia:
(1) excessive therapy with antipyretic medications, which can result in overdosage
(2) frequent visits to the Emergency Department or pediatrician's office
(3) excessive distress during a child's illness
(4) treatments such as sponging with cold water which may be uncomfortable for the child
It is important for the clinician to be able to distinguish simple fever from a hyperthermic emergency. The latter requires aggressive management to reduce the core body temperature. Fortunately a hyperthermic emergency is uncommon.
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