Peer Reviewed
Feature Article Paediatrics
Assessing and managing fever in children
Abstract
The febrile infant or child remains one of the most common clinical problems that presents to family doctors.
Key Points
- All febrile infants aged less than 3 months should be referred to hospital for admission, investigation and management.
- In febrile older babies and children, first assess for reduced alertness and activity, breathing difficulty, circulatory impairment and dehydration.
- Generally, nontoxic febrile children aged over 3 months may be managed as outpatients in general practice.
- Fever less than 40oC does not routinely need antipyretic treatment unless the child appears uncomfortable.
- Paracetamol can be given to children over 1 month of age; care must be given to explain dose clearly when prescribing because available liquid preparations vary in concentration.
- Ibuprofen may be given to otherwise well children aged 6 months or over.
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