[44F] Experiencing persistent fever

What might be happening

Based on the information provided, your child may be experiencing:

• A common cold: This is a viral infection of your child's nose and throat. It's usually harmless, although it might not feel that way. Many types of viruses can cause a common cold. Symptoms might include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, mild headache, and a low-grade fever.

  • Treatment for a common cold is typically supportive, including rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies to manage symptoms.

• Influenza (flu): The flu is a common viral infection that can be deadly, especially in high-risk groups. The flu attacks the lungs, nose, and throat. Symptoms include a fever, cough, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue.

  • Treatment for the flu can include antiviral drugs if prescribed by a doctor, along with supportive care like rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies to manage symptoms.

• Other viral infections: There are many other viruses that can cause similar symptoms, and it can be hard to tell them apart without further testing.

What you can do

1. Continue to monitor your child's temperature and symptoms.
2. Keep your child well-hydrated and ensure they get plenty of rest.
3. Continue to manage the fever with Tylenol as needed, following the recommended dosage instructions.
4. If your child's symptoms worsen or persist for more than a week, seek medical attention.

What you should look out for

Reasons to seek immediate medical attention:

• If your child's fever rises above 104°F
• If your child seems very sick or is getting worse
• If your child has difficulty breathing or is breathing very fast
• If your child is not drinking enough fluids or shows signs of dehydration (like dark urine, dry mouth, or not urinating at least every 6 hours)
• If your child seems unusually sleepy or hard to wake up
• If your child has a severe headache or stiff neck

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your personal circumstances. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care recommendations.