Casebook: Managing fever in children

Module summary

GPSI in paediatrics Dr David Capehorn discusses four cases involving fever in children, and advises on the appropriate management approaches.

Learning objectives

This module will enhance your knowledge of the management of childhood fever in general practice, including:

• The significance of home-taken temperature and best use of thermometers in children.
• The relationship between height of fever and likelihood of serious disease.
• Use of antipyretics and analgesics in children with fever.
• Management of febrile convulsions and likelihood of recurrence.
• Red flags for serious infection in children with fever of several days duration.

Author: Dr David Capehorn is a GPwER Paediatrics, founder and former clinical director of the Paediatric Primary Care service, Bristol and South Gloucestershire, honorary associate specialist and GP Lead, Bristol Children's Hospital Emergency Department.

Date published: 9.01.2025

Note that all cases in this module are hypothetical scenarios developed for illustrative purposes only