Conclusion
Fever should not be considered as harmful in children,
although it may cause distress and discomfort.
Although there is a high degree of parental and
professional anxiety, efforts should be first made
to differentiate a well child from the unwell one.
There is no clear evidence that antipyretics prevent
the onset of febrile convulsions and this should be
clearly communicated to parents. When a fever causes
significant distress to a child, ibuprofen or paracetamol
may be used as a single agent and may provide a sense
of wellness and comfort that, in turn, may increase a
child’s oral intake. Each prescription should be carefully
monitored and a children’s formulary should always be
consulted.