Mayo Clinic Minute: What to do and not do when your child has a viral fever

The most common circulating viruses for the fall and winter, such as colds and flus, rely on our immune system to fight them off. So don't expect your doctor to prescribe an antibiotic.

Dr. Rajapakse says a common misconception she tries to dispel is that children with fevers need to be on an antibiotic before they can return to school or day care.

She says there's also the issue of overuse, which is driving antibiotic-resistant bacteria and making infections more difficult to treat.

For viral infections, fever-reducing medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help reduce symptoms while the body fights off the virus.
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