Why should aspirin be avoided in fever management for children?

• A. Because it worsens dehydration.
• B. Because it reduces vaccine efficacy.
• C. Because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome.
• D. Because it is not effective for fever.

Answer: (C)

Avoiding aspirin in children with fever centers on the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious condition that can follow aspirin use during viral illnesses. Reye’s syndrome causes swelling of the liver and brain and can be life-threatening, which is why guidelines prohibit giving aspirin to anyone under 18 for fever or viral infections. Safer alternatives for fever management are acetaminophen or ibuprofen, dosed by weight or age to reduce fever and improve comfort. The other options aren’t the reason: aspirin does have fever-reducing effects, and its use isn’t about vaccines or hydration in this context—the key safety concern is the risk of Reye’s syndrome.