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Child Has Fever, Runny Nose And Cough. What Could Be The Reason?
Question: Dear Dr.
I have a son who is 3.25 years old and weighs aroound 13.5 Kg and happens to getting fever almost every month for last 3 months with some running nose and cough. His fever lasts about 7-8 days every time..But this month his fever had come without any other symptom as mentioned above. Please specify what could be reasons and what test should be done to get to the root of the problem...and the fever goes till 101 degree every time
I have a son who is 3.25 years old and weighs aroound 13.5 Kg and happens to getting fever almost every month for last 3 months with some running nose and cough. His fever lasts about 7-8 days every time..But this month his fever had come without any other symptom as mentioned above. Please specify what could be reasons and what test should be done to get to the root of the problem...and the fever goes till 101 degree every time
Hi,
Thanks for the query.
I will consider that apart from above there are no other issues, and consider that child is otherwise healthy, has normal growth milestones and no previous known chronic issue.
Reasons for last 3 months fever are different as last 3 months there was surge in respiratory infections including flu and pneumonia all over world with at least 20 child deaths in US in January alone. The issues are settled since last 2 weeks and may be this time infection is not respiratory now.
It's common for 3 year old to get 3-6 febrile infection a year in India - viral or bacterial.
Now this time as fever is throughout day, lets call it 'continuous fever'. Fevers of viral origin often do not last more than 3 days and kids recover over next 4-5 days. However bacterial infections will need antibiotics.
Though it is difficult to differentiate virus and bacterial infections, often if arms and legs are cold, the fever can be due to bacteria and it may need antibiotics; therefore warrants a visit to a pediatrician.
In brief, if the fever makes child sick, it may need further evaluations and supportive feeding and medicines.
You may understand temporary fever control at the link below click here
Occasionally kids may also need tests like CBC and CRP that will help doctors understand whether fever has any serious issues associated. With past history of cough cold, your doctor may also advice a x-ray chest. Therefore if fever makes the child sick or if you feel the arms and legs are cold, I would urge you to consult your pediatrician at the earliest.
Hope this helps you understand the situation. If any further queries please do follow back.
Regards
Thanks for the query.
I will consider that apart from above there are no other issues, and consider that child is otherwise healthy, has normal growth milestones and no previous known chronic issue.
Reasons for last 3 months fever are different as last 3 months there was surge in respiratory infections including flu and pneumonia all over world with at least 20 child deaths in US in January alone. The issues are settled since last 2 weeks and may be this time infection is not respiratory now.
It's common for 3 year old to get 3-6 febrile infection a year in India - viral or bacterial.
Now this time as fever is throughout day, lets call it 'continuous fever'. Fevers of viral origin often do not last more than 3 days and kids recover over next 4-5 days. However bacterial infections will need antibiotics.
Though it is difficult to differentiate virus and bacterial infections, often if arms and legs are cold, the fever can be due to bacteria and it may need antibiotics; therefore warrants a visit to a pediatrician.
In brief, if the fever makes child sick, it may need further evaluations and supportive feeding and medicines.
You may understand temporary fever control at the link below click here
Occasionally kids may also need tests like CBC and CRP that will help doctors understand whether fever has any serious issues associated. With past history of cough cold, your doctor may also advice a x-ray chest. Therefore if fever makes the child sick or if you feel the arms and legs are cold, I would urge you to consult your pediatrician at the earliest.
Hope this helps you understand the situation. If any further queries please do follow back.
Regards
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
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