Fever

• Perform a focused history and physical exam to determine the true presence of fever, fever pattern,associated symptoms and signs, and red flags
• Identify causes of fever including serious causes (malignancy, infection, drugs)
• Recognize special groups where fever has different significance or impact (neonates, elderly patients, travel/immigration, under-immunized, immunocompromised).
• Propose a plan for appropriate investigation of possible causes, especially in the pediatric patient.
• Propose a basic management plan for the febrile patient

Core Resources

Approach to the Adult Patient with Fever of Unknown Origin

Hersch E, Oh R. Prolonged Febrile Illness and Fevver of Unknown Origin in Adults. Am Fam Physician. 2014; 90(2): 91-96.