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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes High Temperature Fever?

My 8year old son has had a fever for the last three days ranging from 100.2. To 102.7. He has never has a fever higher than 100.1 before. He keeps complaining of a headache, and hasn't done anything but lay around for three days. Should I take him in to see his doctor or to you think it's just viral
posted on Fri, 14 Mar 2014
Twitter Sun, 26 Apr 2015 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 27 Apr 2015 Last reviewed on
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Pediatrician,  's  Response
Most often such episodes of high fever are caused due to certain viral infections. Treatment with antibiotics does not help and irrespective of the treatment, it takes 5-7 days to recover. i would not get concerned if the child is active and fine but if the child grows lethargic or drowsy it could indicate a serious bacterial infection and the child should be rushed to a hospital without delay. If the fever lasts more than 7 days, other causes like typhoid might need to be considered. On the other hand, if the fever is associated with chills and rigors, it could be due to malaria or an urinary tract infection and tests to detect these conditions might be needed without delay. Headache or body ache are might not be specific for any cause and should get relieved with paracetamol. But if severe, medical advice should be sought. So, depending on the associated symptoms and the general well being of the child, you should be able to decide when the child needs to be taken to a doctor.
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What Causes High Temperature Fever?

Most often such episodes of high fever are caused due to certain viral infections. Treatment with antibiotics does not help and irrespective of the treatment, it takes 5-7 days to recover. i would not get concerned if the child is active and fine but if the child grows lethargic or drowsy it could indicate a serious bacterial infection and the child should be rushed to a hospital without delay. If the fever lasts more than 7 days, other causes like typhoid might need to be considered. On the other hand, if the fever is associated with chills and rigors, it could be due to malaria or an urinary tract infection and tests to detect these conditions might be needed without delay. Headache or body ache are might not be specific for any cause and should get relieved with paracetamol. But if severe, medical advice should be sought. So, depending on the associated symptoms and the general well being of the child, you should be able to decide when the child needs to be taken to a doctor.