Probiotics shorten fever duration in children with infections

A new study shows that a probiotic mixture can reduce fever duration by two days in children with upper respiratory tract infections. The median fever duration was three days for those taking probiotics, compared to five days for a placebo group. The trial involved 128 children aged 28 days to 4 years. Participants received either the probiotic mixture or a placebo for 14 days. Few mild side effects were reported in both groups. The study, led by Carlo Agostoni in Milan, was published on March 14 in JAMA Network Open. It highlights the potential of probiotics as a treatment option for fever in pediatric URTIs.