Dear Parent,
Thank you for your consult at DoctorSpring.com. I can understand your concerns.
Your description of your child's symptomatology is accurate. The description fits perfectly into that of a viral upper respiratory tract infection. In colder months, multiple viruses like RSV, Boca, Pneumo, Metapneumo, influenza, etc. can cause infections in young children, Most of these viral infections are benign, except in a few cases. Hence, at this point, it is advisable to provide symptomatic therapy with antipyretics alone. No other agent has been recommended in children for the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections due to these respiratory viruses. As long as child is accepting orally well and otherwise active, no other intervention is required.
Watch for rapid breathing, poor feeding, lethargy or other symptoms that could point to development of a complication. Visit a pediatrician if fever persists for more than 48-72 hours or any new symptoms appear. At this point, it may be prudent to take a 'watchful waiting' approach.
Hope this helps, I would be glad to answer any follow-up queries.
Regards
Dr Saptharishi L G
Patient replied :
Thank you doctor for your reply.
My son continues to have fever and it fluctuates around 102 to 103 F
We gave him 3 times of Tylenol yesterday and 1 dose of ibuprofen at night (for last 24 hours).
When he is given medicine , temperature comes down and after 5 hours it goes up again.
He continues have runny nose with mild cough . When his temperature is high, he feels cold too.
When his temperature comes down , he is happy boy and eats ok with milk, jelo,water and rice. He pees well.
Please advice what we should do next.
Thanks for your help.
Dear Parent,
I am sorry to note that your son is continuing to have high temperatures. He is into day 4 of his illness today.
It is good that he is doing well during the afebrile periods. Hence, there is no need to get unduly worried at this point. He requires a few blood & urine tests and, testing of nasal secretions for viruses, if he continues to have fever beyond the next 24 hours. There is no indication to start hi on any antibiotics as yet.
Please continue giving him antipyretics to make him comfortable. Give him plenty of fluids. Give him easily digestible cereals and fruits. Get him to rest and sleep adequately. Do not worry. Get an appointment with your pediatrician, preferably for tomorrow. Hope your son recovers soon. Take care.
Regards