KIDSIllness claims, checked
Fevers, colds, coughs, teething and gastro. Everyday illness claims, with what the evidence says and when to see a GP.
7 claims checked: 1 supported, 1 mixed, 5 not supported.
IllnessNot supportedGreen snot means a child needs antibioticsGreen or yellow snot alone does not mean a child needs antibiotics. Most colds and sinus infections are viral. Doctors…IllnessMixedA high fever can cause brain damage in childrenOrdinary fevers, including those that trigger febrile seizures, do not cause brain damage. Guidance says very extreme…IllnessSupportedHoney soothes children's coughsHoney probably eases coughs from colds in children over 12 months, mostly by reducing cough and helping sleep for a…IllnessNot supportedProbiotics prevent colic in babiesGiving healthy newborns probiotics has not been shown to stop colic from starting. A Cochrane review found little or…IllnessNot supportedDrinking milk increases mucus when kids have a coldMilk does not appear to make the body produce more mucus during a cold. Milk can leave a thick, coated feeling in the…IllnessNot supportedGoing out with wet hair makes kids catch a coldColds are caused by viruses, not by wet hair. Australian health guidance says directly that going out with wet hair or…IllnessNot supportedTeething causes fever in babiesAustralian and US child health guidance says teething does not cause fever. Research points to gum irritation,…