Most parents are taught to fear fevers. When a toddler spikes a 102° temperature, the instinct is to shut it down fast. But growing research suggests some early childhood infections may actually help “train” the immune system, lowering the risk of certain cancers and heart disease later in life. Not all infections are the same, and not every fever is dangerous. Understanding where healthy immune development ends—and real risk begins—may be one of the most important health decisions a parent ever makes.
Most parents are trained to fear fevers.
