Demystifying Pediatric Fever: When to Treat, When to Wait, and How to Safely Choose Medication Episode 95 S3E8

In this episode of Ten Kids Two Docs, hosts Dr. Sylvia Bank and Dr. Vivian Carlin are joined by pediatric infectious disease specialist Dr. Lori Handy from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia to demystify childhood fevers. The pediatricians share personal and stressful parenting stories and their medical perspective. The discussion covers practical advice for parents, including how to choose and use different types of thermometers, when and how to treat fever, and why a fever can actually benefit a sick child. Finally, they highlight key warning signs that warrant a call to the pediatrician while providing trusted resources.

Resources:

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

https://youtu.be/7D9_4Ab58Mo?si=H1QQEZjdd4nZL9FO

Healthy at Home with Dr Handyhttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUv9oht3hC6RPYvvs_3AnMVdiQ-3vEeC2&si=hn7bc3TBXPIbh98a

Acetaminophen Dosing Tables for Fever and Pain in Childrenhttps://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-home/medication-safety/Pages/Acetaminophen-for-Fever-and-Pain.aspx

Ibuprofen Dosing Tables for Fever and Pain in Childrenhttps://www.healthychildren.org/english/safety-prevention/at-home/medication-safety/pages/ibuprofen-for-fever-and-pain.aspx

Fever Without Fear: Information for Parentshttps://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/fever/Pages/Fever-Without-Fear.aspx

EPISODE CREDITS: Hosts - Sylvia Bank, MD and Vivian Carlin, MD

Special Guest - Dr Lori Handy, MD, MSCE

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00:00 Introduction and Overview of Fever

02:12 Real-World Parenting Stories: Navigating Fever

05:45 What is a Fever? Definitions and Thresholds

07:35 Choosing and Using the Right Thermometer

09:08 The Biological Benefits of Fever

11:09 How and When to Treat Fever with Medication