Fever Phobia: When to Worry and When to Let the Fever Do Its Job

Fever is the body’s natural immune response—however ‘fever phobia’ may have some parents packing their child off to medical care when none is needed.
Fever Phobia: When to Worry and When to Let the Fever Do Its Job
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Health Viewpoints
Although fever is common in various illnesses and is usually advantageous, parents often feel overwhelming concern when their child develops one. Referred to as “fever phobia,” this behavior leads many parents to seek immediate medical attention for mild fevers.
Joel Warsh
Joel Warsh
Joel “Gator” Warsh, of the popular parenting Instagram @drjoelgator is a board-certified pediatrician in Los Angeles who specializes in parenting, wellness, and integrative medicine. He is the author of “Parenting at Your Child’s Pace: The Integrative Pediatrician’s Guide to the First Three Years,” and "Between a Shot and a Hard Place" (2025).
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