© 2024 Louisville Public Media

Public Files:
89.3 WFPL · 90.5 WUOL-FM · 91.9 WFPK

For assistance accessing our public files, please contact info@lpm.org or call 502-814-6500
89.3 WFPL News | 90.5 WUOL Classical 91.9 WFPK Music | KyCIR Investigations
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Stream: News Music Classical

U of L Professor Joins Others in Calling for Change to Fever Treatments for Children

A University of Louisville professor has joined several other doctors in challenging the conventional wisdom regarding fevers in children.Dr. Jan Sullivan has co-authored a consensus statement in the latest Journal of Pediatrics. The statement says doctors and parents should not necessarily worry about treating a fever if a child is sick. Rather, she says they should treat other symptoms and make sure the child is comfortable."Historically, parents have been very concerned that a fever would cause their child to have seizures or cause their child brain damage, and that's not necessarily true," she says. "So I'm hoping parents and healthcare providers will re-look at their practice in how they treat fever and not necessarily just try and maintain a normal number, but really look for other things in treating children."Sullivan says a fever can help the immune system fight illness. She says this doesn't apply to children under three months old or those with other medical conditions.

Tags