Survey: Moms sweat their child's fever more than any other symptom

MARLBOROUGH, Mass. - Despite their generational differences, three out of four gen X and millennial moms list fever as their No. 1 concern when caring for their sick children, far above other symptoms of illness, including vomiting, diarrhea, chills, coughing and headache, Braun reported Tuesday. All told, 74% of all moms surveyed said they were either extremely or very concerned about fever in their children.  



The Braun survey also found that moms ride an emotional rollercoaster when it comes to caring for their sick child, regardless of their age and experience, at first feeling nervous (64%), anxious (64%) and protective (93%) prior to taking their temperature.



However, taking their child's temperature quickly eases those concerns by helping them feel informed (67%), responsible (64%), prepared (59%) and in control (52%).



Both groups listed accuracy as the most important attribute of a thermometer (gen X, 60% vs. millennial, 52%).  However, millennial moms prioritized comfort over their gen X counterparts (31% vs. 20%), followed by ease of use and speed of reading.   



The findings are part of a new survey by Braun and compares behaviors and attitudes of 1,000 gen X moms between the ages of 37 and 52 and millennial moms between the ages of 20 and 36, when caring for their sick child.