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If you are raising a child today, you may be surprised when you discover many of the practices or stories passed around by your parents or grandparents are not actually true. Whether it is an old wives tale like starve a cold and feed a fever, or outdated advice about megadosing vitamin C, we’re here to set the record straight.
In this list, we’ve gathered the most common pediatric medicine myths to debunk so you can know the truth.
Teething Causes Fever, Diarrhea, Ear Infections, Runny Nose, etc.
A baby’s teeth begin growing around the age of 4 to 7 months, and it is usually pretty easy to tell. Babies are often extra cranky, drool excessively, and have difficulty sleeping. Popular misconceptions are that teething can also cause fever, diarrhea, ear infections, runny nose, diaper rash, and more.
Symptoms beyond irritability or a temperature above 100.4 degrees F are signs of sickness, not teething. While teething can increase a child’s temperature, it does not cause a fever. For the best pediatric care, you can always talk to your doctor to see how to alleviate some of your baby’s discomfort as their teeth come in.
Cold Weather Causes the Common Cold
One of the oldest and perhaps most prevalent myths in pediatric medicine is cold weather and the common cold. Despite what your parents may have told you, chilly temperatures or underdressing in the winter does not mean your child will get sick. Illnesses like the common cold are caused by viruses and bacteria, which are actually not as prevalent in the cold.
There could be a little truth to this. As people spend more time huddled together indoors in the winter, infections spread from person to person faster.
Fevers Require Antibiotics
Whenever parents see a temperature on the thermometer above 98.6 degrees F, they tend to get nervous and think it has to be lowered immediately. However, not all fevers require medicine or antibiotics. A fever is a sign the immune system is working to fight off an infection.
It is recommended that you use a digital thermometer to take the temperature of children 3 years old and older. Pediatricians typically take the temperature of younger children rectally.
Unless the fever is causing discomfort, it lasts more than 24 hours, or it is above 100.4 degrees F, it is usually okay to let it go away on its own. Make sure you keep your child hydrated and check their temperature often. Always seek pediatric care if you are unsure or have questions about treating your child’s fever.
Excessive Amounts of Sugar Causes Hyperactivity
There are many parents who swear that any amount of sugar will cause children to bounce off the walls with energy, regardless of what the healthcare industry has to say. However, studies researching the link between hyperactivity in children and sugar have failed to prove they are connected.
Hyperactivity and sugar may be falsely linked because of when children are likely to consume a lot of sugar. Birthday parties are a time when kids typically have free reign and consume a lot of sweet things, and are very excitable. However, their energy levels are more likely due to excitement rather than the sugar itself.
All Children Need to Take Vitamins
With all of the multivitamins and mineral supplements on the market today, it is no surprise that most parents think that vitamins are a necessary part of their child’s diet. In all actuality, dietary supplements like multivitamins are typically not needed. So long as your kid is growing at a good rate and eats a good variety of different foods, then they are probably okay without a supplement.
Food is the best way for anybody to get the nutrients needed to be healthy. Common food staples like cereal, oatmeal, bread, milk, and juice are actually fortified, so they have more vitamins and minerals. If you worry about your child’s diet or if they are an especially picky eater, talk to your local family doctor before starting any new supplements.
Vitamins, like vitamin C, can be toxic in high doses or cause unpleasant symptoms like diarrhea. Additionally, if your child takes medication, you need to be sure vitamins or supplements do not have negative interactions.
Kids who have physical and/or developmental growth delays, chronic illnesses, food allergies, or restricted diets may benefit from a multivitamin and multimineral. Always use brands and dosages indicated for children only.
The Flu Vaccine Causes the Flu (and Developmental Delays)
The myth that the flu vaccine causes the flu and developmental delays like autism is a common reason why parents deny it (and other life-saving shots). Neither of these assertions is true. The flu shot cannot cause the flu because it contains no active virus.
It is possible to get the flu before the body has time to build antibodies against it or after vaccination, but the sickness is typically far less severe.
The only study that has tried to posit a connection between autism and vaccines has been redacted. In the 20+ years since it was published, it was found to be a fraudulent study, and more than 25 reputable journals have published articles stating there is no link between autism and shots.
The Most Common Pediatric Medicine Myths Debunked
We have all heard advice like about how to help a feverish child or warnings not to give your little ones sugar, but we’re happy to say these are all common pediatric medicine myths. With this information, you can make more informed decisions and feel better about the choices you make.
Want to learn even more about the medical industry and health advice? Then check out the rest of our website!
