Treating a fever: What to consider - Healthy at Home with Dr. Handy | CHOP

Dr. Lori Handy talks about fevers, including their causes, role in immunity, and when to treat them.
Fevers can occur during an infection or following vaccination. Fevers interfere with the ability of bacteria or other pathogens to replicate, and they help the immune system function better. Dr. Handy also talks about what a fever after vaccination signals.
Dr. Handy discusses what a febrile seizure is and what to do if your child has one. She also talks about whether to give medication and when you may decide not to treat a fever.
00:00 Introduction
00:17 What is a fever?
01:06 Fever and dehydration
01:23 Febrile seizure
01:40 What can I do to help my children manage a fever?
02:06 Fever following vaccination
For more information about fevers, check out the “Infectious Diseases & Fevers” Q&A, bit.ly/3IABBMR.
For more information about the “Healthy at Home with Dr. Handy” series, or other Parents PACK programs, please visit our website, vaccine.chop.edu/parents.
Video created by and for the Vaccine Education Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
The Vaccine Education Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (VEC at CHOP) is composed of scientists, physicians, mothers, and fathers devoted to the study and prevention of infectious diseases. The Center was launched in October 2000 to provide accurate, comprehensive and up-to-date information about vaccines and the diseases they prevent.
If you have any questions about your child’s health, please contact your child’s doctor. This video is intended only to provide general education and not intended to create a doctor-patient relationship between you and The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). It is not medical advice or treatment, and CHOP is not responsible for any outcomes you or your child might experience from your use of this video. This video is provided “AS IS” with no warranties or representations. This video is copyright of CHOP. All rights reserved. ©2023 The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.