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Parents may worry when their child develops a fever. This video addresses common questions and concerns and covers the following topics:

• how a fever actually helps the body fight infection
• how to take a child's temperature accurately
• how to help your child feel more comfortable

Click here to view this video.

For additional information on fevers in children, including detailed information on when to call your child's doctor, please review the Fever in Children article. You may also want to print and save this handout:
- Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen (Tylenol) dosing instructions

An Important Note About Thermometers

The older, glass bulb thermometers shown in this video are no longer recommended. Instead, it is important to:

• Use a digital thermometer to measure your child's temperature. Digital thermometers can be used orally (by mouth) or rectally (in the anus). Be sure to sterilize thermometers after each use.

• In younger children, we recommend taking temperatures rectally, for greatest accuracy. However, if you have trouble getting a rectal temperature in a squirmy toddler, you can also use one of the newer forehead (temporal) scanners.

• There are other types of thermometers as well, but not all of them are as accurate.

• For more information on the different types of thermometers, we recommend that you review the Fever article on your child’s doctor’s home page.

We hope that this video helps address any questions you may have. If you have additional questions or concerns, please call our Appointment and Advice line to talk with a nurse or send a message to your child’s doctor.