Table 8.

Signs of distress in a child with fever and factors to consider when evaluating the level of distress [71].

Signs of distress	Factors to consider
•Change in behaviour •Change in mood •Disturbance of sleep-wake cycle •Change in feeding •Change in activity level •Reduced interest and social interaction •Reduced play •Irritability and agitation •Moaning and crying	•Age •Sex •Level of cognitive development •Cultural background •Home/residential environment •Fear and beliefs about the illness (child and parents) •Previous experiences with illness and medical care •Attitude of parents/caregivers