7 Myths About Fevers Doctors Want Everyone to Forget
1. Fevers Aren’t Always Bad
Many people think fevers are bad, but they are actually the body’s way of fighting off infections, says Dr. Caroline Cederquist, a family and functional medicine doctor. According to Parade, fevers help the body recover faster from illnesses.
2. Fevers Aren’t Just from Viruses
People often believe that fevers mean you have a virus. But Dr. Megan Berman, an internal medicine doctor, explains that other things like infections (UTIs, ear infections), heat exhaustion, and certain medications can also cause fevers, reports Parade.
3. Fevers Aren’t Always Contagious
Not all fevers mean you can spread germs. Dr. Cederquist tells Parade that if your fever is due to heat exhaustion, an inflammatory condition, or an immunization, it’s not contagious.
4. You Don’t Always Need to See a Doctor for a Fever
You don’t always need to rush to the doctor if you have a fever. Dr. Cederquist advises that you should only see a doctor if your fever is above 103°F, doesn’t go away after three days, or if you’re in a high-risk group, according to Parade.
5. Wet Hair Won’t Cause a Fever
Dr. Cederquist dispels the myth that leaving the house with wet hair will give you a fever. According to Parade, it’s not the cold that makes you sick, but viruses do.
6. Drinking Coffee Won’t Cause a Fever
Some believe that drinking coffee can cause a fever, but Dr. Berman assures Parade readers that caffeine might raise blood pressure temporarily but won’t cause a fever.
7. Don’t Go to Work or School with a Fever
Even if you feel okay, it’s better to stay home if you have a fever. Dr. Berman reminds us that staying home helps your body recover and prevents others from getting sick, a lesson reinforced by COVID-19, notes Parade.
Fevers are uncomfortable but are usually not a cause for alarm. It’s important to understand why you have a fever and treat it properly.
For more details, check out the original article on Parade.
https://parade.com/health/are-fevers-contagious?utm_source=pushly