New guideline on fever management in children

Fever is one of the most common symptoms in childhood and in treatment in doctors' and alternative practitioners' practices, although it is rarely a sign of a serious illness. As parents – especially those with their first child – are often very concerned, counselling and care require a great deal of sensitivity, diagnostic competence and knowledge of relevant ‘red flags’ that may indicate a potentially dangerous course.

The new german AWMF guideline (https://register.awmf.org/de/leitlinien/detail/027-074) provides important guidance on how to deal with fever in children and adolescents. It moves away from the long-established practice of quickly reducing fever and recommends a more relaxed approach to this symptom, which in most cases is a natural reaction of the body.

The following website article provides an overview of the key content and recommendations of the current AWMF guideline.

Further information on differential diagnostic considerations and potentially dangerous courses (PDC) is available for download in the section on the care situation for medical professionals.