Fever Management in Children

Medication Guidelines

• The Infectious Diseases Society of America recommends NSAIDs such as ibuprofen for moderate to severe symptoms or control of high fever in children, at a weight-based dose of 10 mg/kg (not to exceed the maximum dose for age) 1, 2.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics implies that continuing the prescribed amoxicillin for the full course of strep throat treatment addresses the underlying bacterial infection, as recommended by the Infectious Diseases Society of America 1, 3.
• Aspirin must be avoided in children due to the risk of Reye syndrome, as advised by the Infectious Diseases Society of America 1, 2.

Emergency Care

• Immediate evaluation is needed if the child develops signs of serious illness, including oxygen saturation ≤92%, respiratory rate >50 breaths/min, difficulty breathing or grunting, signs of dehydration, or inability to maintain oral intake, according to Praxis Medical Insights 4.
• The Infectious Diseases Society of America suggests watching for worsening symptoms despite appropriate antibiotic therapy for strep throat, as 5-15% of hospitalized children with infections may not respond to initial treatment 5.