If you’ve always believed that you can detect a fever by touching someone’s forehead, then think again. The abdomen is actually more likely to feel warm when someone has a fever. However, a thermoneter is the only way to accurately measure body temperature.      Here are six other  common–and potentially dangerous–myths regarding fever…      Myth1:  All adults have a normal body temperature of 98.6 F.   “Normal” can be between 98 and 99.4 and fluctuates during the day.  “Normal” temperature tends to decline with age,the average oral temperature of people 65 and older is 97.5F  Some older adults may be seriously ill–even with pneumonia or a widespread infection–yet appear to have no fever at all.       Myth 2.      A fever always means you have   an infection. Not necessarily.  Fever may also occur in many viral illnesses, such as influenza, gastroenteritis(stomach flu) even the common cold. But a fever can also signal an allergic reaction..dehydration..inflammation..a hormone disorder like hyperthyroidism or rheumatoid arthritis.  Some medications such as antibiotics, narcotics, barbiturates and antihistamines can trigger a fever.                                                                         Myth 3.  Fever should always be treated.    Most of the time it isn’t necessary to do anything to reduce the fever. Unless it goes quite high (above 104F in an adult) it causes no permanent damage–but you will be uncomfortable. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Even if your not thirsty take sips of water and juice often,  eat  soups, jello and popsicles.                                                                                                                                                                                                Myth4.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Myth 4.  Aspirin is the best medicine for a fever.   The most common fever reducers ar acetaminophen(Tylenol), aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen. Neither drug works faster or better than the others in reducing fever.   Use these drugs with caution! Never exceed dosage recommendations without first discussing it with your provider.   NEVER give aspirin to anyone under the age 15-it can cause Reye’s syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition that causes swelling of the brain and the degeneration of the liver.    If you have the following conditions take acetaminophen; asthma, high blood pressure, kidney disease gastrointestinal  problems, or take daily apirin therapy.       If you have liver disease or drink more than three alcoholic beverages daily : take aspirin or another NSAID like ibuprofen or  naproxen.                                                                                                                                              Myth5. A fever means you,re contagious.  Not so. A person with an upper respiratory tract infection may be contagious early on, when he/she has a runny nose but no fever. On the other hand, a person can still be running a fever after several days of antibiotic treatment but no longer be contagious.                                                                                                                    Myth6.   All thermometers are equally accurate. Glass mercury thermometers are the most accurate but are no longer used because of potential exposure to mercuty if the glass breaks. Digital oral and digital rectal thermometers are both accurate. Ear thermometers are sligjhtly less accurate. Forehead thermometers ( plastic strips that are pressed against the forehead) are not reliable for exact measurements.  Be  sure to tell your provider which type of thermometer you used to take your temperature.