Paediatric fever management

Fever is defined as a temperature greater than 38.0°C.

It is important for parents or caregivers to understand that it is okay for them to look after their child at home with a fever if they are drinking and feeding well, interacting with the parent or caregiver and does not look sick. 

Learning outcomes for this course: 

• How to take an infant or child’s temperature.
• Understanding appropriate temperature ranges for infants and children and what it may interpret.
• Management of the febrile child in regards to educating parents and caregivers on appropriate management at home; when to seek medical attention; appropriate use of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. 

Acknowledgements

This course was created by Dr Karen Falloon MBChB, FRNZCGP, PhD. It was reviewed by Dr Hazel Fuiava, MBChB, Dip Paeds, FRNZCGP.