Primary Care Perspectives

Primary Care Perspectives: Episode 55 - Fever in Children

May 15, 2019

In this engaging discussion, Paul Offit, the Director of the Vaccine Education Center and an expert in infectious diseases, delves into the significance of fever in children. He highlights how fever aids in immune function and cautions against the prevalent use of antipyretic drugs, arguing they may hinder immune response and vaccine efficacy. Offit also clarifies misconceptions about fever's role and emphasizes supportive care over aggressive treatment. His insights encourage a reevaluation of pediatric fever management, advocating for a cultural shift in handling childhood illnesses.

15:54

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Episode guests

Paul Offit

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Fever plays a crucial role in the immune response, enhancing the function of neutrophils and B cells during infections.

Parents are encouraged to view fever as a beneficial defense mechanism, rather than an immediate health threat that necessitates aggressive treatment.

Deep dives

Understanding Fever in Children

A fever is defined as a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, though some discussions highlight that parents may sometimes mistakenly consider 99 degrees Fahrenheit as a fever. It's crucial to recognize that fevers serve an important role in the immune response, helping neutrophils and B cells function more effectively during infections. The podcast emphasizes that fever is not inherently dangerous unless it reaches extreme levels due to environmental causes, such as heatstroke. Asserting that physiological fever is beneficial, it is noted that the body's ability to generate fever has evolutionary significance across species.

Intro

2min

The Role of Fever in Immune Function

5min

The Impact of Fever Reducers on Vaccine Response

2min

Navigating Fever in Children

5min

Reevaluating Fever Management in Pediatric Care

2min

Paul Offit, MD, Director of the Vaccine Education Center and attending physician in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, defines fever in children and talks about counseling families about the benefits of fevers. He discusses strategies for treating fevers appropriately, with emphasis on why treating fever with antipyretic drugs is often NOT the right thing to do. Published May 2019. This podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not to be considered as medical advice for any particular patient. Clinicians must rely on their own informed clinical judgment in making recommendations to their patients. ©2019 by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, all rights reserved.

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