Pediatric Advisor 2001.1 Myths and Facts about Fever Misconceptions about the dangers of fever are commonplace. Unwarranted fears about harmful side effects from fever cause lost sleep and unnecessary stress for many parents. All fevers are bad for children. Fevers turn on the body's immune system. Fevers are one of the body's protective mechanisms.
Most fevers are good for children and help the body fight infection.
Fevers with infections don't cause brain damage. Febrile seizures are scary to watch, but they usually stop within 5 minutes. They cause no permanent harm. Children who have had febrile seizures do not have a greater risk for developmental delays, learning disabilities, or seizures without fever. All fevers need to be treated with fever medicine.