[Revision of the Dutch College of General Practitioners practice guideline 'Children with fever'].

- Fever in children is usually caused by benign viral infection.- Approximately 1-10% of children with fever has or develops a serious infection such as pneumonia, meningitis or pyelonephritis.- It is more important to timely recognize symptoms that may indicate a potentially serious disease course than to make an exact diagnosis.- Children < 3 months are at greater risk for a serious disease course.- During follow-up it is important to provide parents with proper advice on the expected disease course and who they should contact, and when, in cases of deterioration or concern.- Paracetamol or ibuprofen should only be given when there is a combination of fever and pain. Combating fever is not an end in itself.