Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Remedy For Persistent Fever And Cold In A Child
Question: My daughter has been having fever and cold since last Friday. She gets fever twice a day as high as 101. Once an antipyretic is given the fever subsides for some 8-10 hours. Her body appears relatively cold but her head becomes very hot. How long would a viral fever last? Can you please advise how do i take this forward.
Brief Answer:
Viral fevers usually improve in 4-5 days
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to the HCM
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns but don't worry. Fever associated with viral upper respiratory tract infections usually improve in 4-5 days. The associated cough may take 10-14 days for complete improvement.
I would recommend you to continue with the symptomatic treatment as advised i.e antipyretics and cough syrup. There is no role of antibiotics in viral infections but since it's started, so continue for the time being. In case the fever doesn't respond in next 2 days, then go for laboratory work up to rule out any bacterial infection. I would recommend CBC, CRP, Throat swab culture, Chest X ray and urine examination.
You may upload the reports for my reference.
Hopefully this will help you. I would be happy to help you in any further questions.
Take care
Viral fevers usually improve in 4-5 days
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to the HCM
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns but don't worry. Fever associated with viral upper respiratory tract infections usually improve in 4-5 days. The associated cough may take 10-14 days for complete improvement.
I would recommend you to continue with the symptomatic treatment as advised i.e antipyretics and cough syrup. There is no role of antibiotics in viral infections but since it's started, so continue for the time being. In case the fever doesn't respond in next 2 days, then go for laboratory work up to rule out any bacterial infection. I would recommend CBC, CRP, Throat swab culture, Chest X ray and urine examination.
You may upload the reports for my reference.
Hopefully this will help you. I would be happy to help you in any further questions.
Take care
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hello Doctor,
Thank you for the prompt answer the other day. As per your suggestion, after the fever did not subside in 2 days, I today got a CBC and routine urine test done. While everything else appears to be normal, the below investigations seems to be a problem:
WBC count - 3000/cumm
PCV (HCT) - 35.5%
MCH - 23.47 pg
Can you please suggest the mode of treatment ahead.
Regards,
xxxxx
Thank you for the prompt answer the other day. As per your suggestion, after the fever did not subside in 2 days, I today got a CBC and routine urine test done. While everything else appears to be normal, the below investigations seems to be a problem:
WBC count - 3000/cumm
PCV (HCT) - 35.5%
MCH - 23.47 pg
Can you please suggest the mode of treatment ahead.
Regards,
xxxxx
Brief Answer:
The illness can be due to enteric fever
Detailed Answer:
Hi xxxx
To suggest you the most probable diagnosis and required treatment, I need to look at all the reports and the present symptoms of your child. Many a times, normal appearing values also give us important clues to the diagnosis.
The values which you gave are in favour of enteric fever but a typhidot-M and blood culture is recommended before starting any antibiotics treatment for it.
So, kindly check her for enteric by above tests and post all her reports for my reference. Since culture may take time, so you may post it later. I will suggest you the required antibiotics depending upon the results.
Take care
The illness can be due to enteric fever
Detailed Answer:
Hi xxxx
To suggest you the most probable diagnosis and required treatment, I need to look at all the reports and the present symptoms of your child. Many a times, normal appearing values also give us important clues to the diagnosis.
The values which you gave are in favour of enteric fever but a typhidot-M and blood culture is recommended before starting any antibiotics treatment for it.
So, kindly check her for enteric by above tests and post all her reports for my reference. Since culture may take time, so you may post it later. I will suggest you the required antibiotics depending upon the results.
Take care
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
