Fevers in children are not to be feared, but respected as part of the body’s natural immune fighting properties.  A fever is the body’s way of slowing the replication of a virus or bacteria by mobilizing the body’s immune fighting properties to take action in fighting the illness.

While a fever can make your child feel poorly, it is important to remember that the body is doing what it is designed to do to fight the illness. When is it appropriate to use fever reducing medications? When your child is so ill that he is unable to stay hydrated, is so uncomfortable they are unable to sleep at night, or they are feeling so poorly they are not eating. In addition, fever reducing medications may be needful if your child has a high fever, has other medical conditions, or has been instructed to take fever reducing medications by your health care provider. ​Administering fever reducing medications will help bring down the fever, but will not help the body fight the illness and may actually hinder the body's efficiency in fighting the illness.

While most febrile viral illnesses can be managed at home, there are times it is important to contact your child’s health care provider. Guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) indicate your heath care provider should be contacted if your infant is less than three months old and has a fever, is 3-6 mos. old and has a fever of 102.5F or higher, if your child is less than two years old and has a fever of 100.4F for more than 24 hours, if your child has a high fever of 104F, or has a prolonged fever greater than three days.

A fever in a young infant, a high fever, or a prolonged fever greater than three days duration may indicate a bacterial infection or more severe illness that may need additional treatment. In addition, other concerning accompanying symptoms such as a stiff neck, dehydration, rash, severe headache, severe sore throat, severe ear pain, severe or prolonged cough, breathing difficulties, or repeated ongoing vomiting/diarrhea, would also require additional medical evaluation. {See table from the American Academy of Pediatrics for more specific guidelines and details.}

Finally, as the parent, if you are uncomfortable with your child’s condition or have questions about your child’s illness, please contact your child’s health care provider or seek appropriate medical care. If you are administering medications to your child while they are ill, please use as directed by your health care provider or as directed on the product.

Fever/Flu Recommendations
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Hydration-It is important to keep your child well hydrated during a febrile illness as they are more likely to become dehydrated. It is recommended to avoid sugary drinks and sugar added sports drinks as added refined sugar may decrease the body’s immune fighting properties. Filtered water, ice chips, bone broth, coconut water, and fresh fruit purées, slushes, or smoothies are all good sources of hydration.

Rest-Children’s bodies need rest to recover and fight the illness.

Nutrition-Encourage vegetables and fruits that are easily digested which are good sources of vitamin C and vitamin A. Good sources of vitamin C include: citrus fruits, berries, cauliflower, and peppers. Good sources of vitamin A include: green leafy vegetables, carrots, and squash. Zinc is also helpful in slowing viral replication and may be found in beef bone broth. Sugary foods and fried foods may hamper the immune system and increase inflammation so they are best avoided.

Sponging-For higher fevers, this may be done with a lukewarm moist cloth or cool cloth to the head or armpits. BeKoool soft gel sheets, available at your local pharmacy, may also be applied to the forehead.

What are natural options for a viral febrile illness? ​

Reminder: Supplements are not approved by the FDA so choosing a reputable product obtained from a reputable supplier is important for your child’s safety and efficacy of the product.  {Analysis of Select Dietary Supplement Products Marketed to Support or Boost the Immune System https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35947382

Frostbite occurs when ice crystals form in the skin or tissues resulting in damage to the affected body parts. It can be serious and needs medical attention. Frostnip is a mild early form of frostbite that does not cause permanent harm to tissues and can typically be cared for at home. Body parts most often affected are nose, ears, cheeks, fingers, and toes. 

Frostbite or frostnip may occur with exposure to cold temperatures, wind chill, and dampness. It occurs more frequently in children due to their reduced body mass, losing heat from their skin more quickly, and playing outdoors for extended periods of time. The type of clothing worn is important in preventing frostbite or frostnip. 

Symptoms of frostnip include reddened, cold skin and feelings of tingling, numbness, and discomfort in the affected body part.

​Symptoms of frostbite include skin that was initially red then becomes white, gray, yellowish, or even black. Tingling, burning, or numbness may also be present and the skin may feel hard, waxy, and swollen. In addition, blisters or sores may become apparent on the affected area. Frostbite can result in damage to the deeper tissues of the body. If you suspect your child may have frostbite, they would need to receive medical attention.

Prevention of frostbite or frostnip requires dressing your child in warm, dry, layers of clothing that are not restrictive and making sure ears, fingers, and toes are well protected. Monitor the temperature and wind chill, and adjust playing time accordingly. Bringing children in for frequent times to warm up when playing outside is important. If clothing, mittens, or boots become damp have the child change into dry clothing. Provide warm drinks or snacks when coming in from playing, and make sure to check ears, fingers, and toes for signs of cold exposure.

Treatment of frostnip at home includes bringing your child inside and dressing them in warm dry clothing. Warm blankets or towels may be applied. The affected area may be put in warm (but not hot) water for up to 30 minutes. Do not rub the affected area and do not use direct heat or heating pads.

Treatment of frostbite involves the same care as frostnip as you await medical care. In addition, after the body part has been warmed, put clean gauze between fingers and toes and wrap loosely with a warm cloth to protect the area and prevent further exposure to cold. Seek medical care as soon as possible from your medical provider as frostbite may cause serious tissue damage.
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References:
https://healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Cold-Weather-Safety.aspx
https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=frostbite-in-children-90-P02820

The nose is a primary entry point of respiratory viruses and bacteria into the body.  Our immune system is equipped to fight these pathogens every day. However, during the winter months there is an increased exposure to respiratory viruses and bacteria. Being proactive in minimizing respiratory illness involves adequate rest, nutritious food, and good handwashing. However, keeping kids well during this season can still take a little extra diligence.

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1. Adequate, clean, filtered, water (Children need half their weight in ounces of water daily.)
2. Healthy, nutritional food
3. Safe and healthy environment
4. Daily movement and exercise
5. Adequate sleep
6. Supportive relationships for healthy mental, spiritual, social, and emotional development