II. Causes: Serious fever causes with cryptic presentations
III. Indications: Immediate Evaluation
- Age under 2 months
- Assess for Neonatal Sepsis
- Inconsolable or constant whimper
- Assess for serious illness
- Rectal Temperature >104 degrees Fahrenheit
- Signs of Meningitis or Meningococcemia
- Dyspnea (beyond simple congestion)
- Dysuria
IV. Indications: Routine clinical evaluation
- Age 2 to 6 months
- Assess for serious infection
-
Fever persists longer than 48 to 72 hours
- Assess for Bacterial Infection
-
Fever cleared for more than 24 hours, then recurred
- Assess for Bacterial superinfection
- No site of infection for more than 24 hours
- Assess for Fever Without Focus (Occult Bacteremia)
- Exercise higher level of suspicion in age <18 months