The new national S3 guideline “Fever management in children and adolescents” focuses on the well-being of the child instead of simply lowering the temperature. The guideline, which was developed under the auspices of the German Society for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine (DGKJ) and coordinated by Prof. Dr. David Martin from Witten/Herdecke University, will be published in the German Medical Journal on April 17 and will thus reach the entire medical profession in Germany.

In most cases, fever is a sensible reaction of the body – we should not fight it reflexively, but focus on the child, Martin explained. For the first time, the guideline provides clear, evidence-based recommendations for everyday life in practices, emergency rooms and children’s clinics.

Fever-reducing drugs such as paracetamol or ibuprofen are to be used in a more targeted manner in the future – only if the child is visibly suffering from the fever. Fever alone does not justify the administration of antibiotics. The recommendations are intended to avoid unnecessary treatments, strengthen patient safety and contribute to the containment of antibiotic resistance.

For parents, the guideline contains practical advice: During the rise in fever, children often freeze and should follow their need for warmth – covered and left alone. The guideline was developed in cooperation with 13 professional societies and a patient association and funded by the Innovation Fund of the Federal Joint Committee.

Martin also heads the “Fit for Fever” project, which is funded with 2.6 million euros, in which the implementation of the new guideline is being scientifically investigated in a large study with 60,000 children. The publication in the Deutsches Ärzteblatt is intended to ensure that the recommendations quickly reach broad medical practice.

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Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

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