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MANAGING FEVER
IN CHILDREN
Fever is a common symptom in children and affects around 70% of preschool children each year.1 It is the body's natural response to fighting infections such as coughs or colds and is defined as a temperature of 38°C or above.2
Fever on its own doesn't always need to be treated and guidelines recommend that antipyretics (medicines used to prevent or reduce fever) should only be used if a child is also distressed or in pain.3
Research suggests that some parents may be under or overdosing with antipyretics and aren't always aware what the current guidelines are for managing fever in children.3
Objectives
- Understand the current NICE guidance for the management of fever in children
- Know when to recommend an appropriate OTC product to manage fever in children
- Know what self-care advice you can give to parents
- Be able to advise parents when they should seek medical advice
What would you do?
Michael comes into your pharmacy and asks for something for his young son who has a fever and is distressed. He hasn't tried anything so far. Click the option you'd recommend. There may be more than one suitable answer.
Correct! This is one suitable option. Click next to learn more.
Correct! This is one suitable option. Click next to learn more.
Incorrect! Click next to learn more about what NICE recommends to manage fever in under 5s.
Incorrect! Click next to learn more about what NICE recommends to manage fever in under 5s.
Content developed by RB UK working together with CIG Healthcare Partnership.
© 2022 CIG Healthcare Partnership
Job number: RKT-M-02568 Date of preparation: November 2022