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My Daughter Has Had A Fever For 3 Days. We
Question: My daughter has had a fever for 3 days. We went to urgent care today and they ruled out strep and said probably wasn't flu. They said they found some white blood cells in her urine and gave her an antibiotic. I normally don't freak out about colds, but its unusual to have a fever that is this persistent. what are your thoughts
Brief Answer:
most antibiotics effective against a wide range of bacteria
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
it is understandable to be concerned re a prolonged fever.
The common cold , which is a viral infection, can cause a prolonged fever in some persons, particularly children.
The fact that they gave her an antibiotic means that they suspect that she may also have a bacterial illness, possibly an urinary tract infection since leucocytes (white blood cells ) , were found in her urine though in urinary tract infections, nitrites are usually present as well.
Most antibiotics are broad spectrum which means that they are effective against a wide range of bacteria, which is a good thing.
It can take 36 to 48 hours for oral antibiotics to kick in but in the interim, the use of cool (not cold liquids since may cause rebound trembling and increased temperature) , tepid sponging and paracetamol, would help to reduce the temperature.
Any other symptoms can be treated symptomatically eg if congested, normal saline spray may be helpful to clear her nasal passages.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
most antibiotics effective against a wide range of bacteria
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
it is understandable to be concerned re a prolonged fever.
The common cold , which is a viral infection, can cause a prolonged fever in some persons, particularly children.
The fact that they gave her an antibiotic means that they suspect that she may also have a bacterial illness, possibly an urinary tract infection since leucocytes (white blood cells ) , were found in her urine though in urinary tract infections, nitrites are usually present as well.
Most antibiotics are broad spectrum which means that they are effective against a wide range of bacteria, which is a good thing.
It can take 36 to 48 hours for oral antibiotics to kick in but in the interim, the use of cool (not cold liquids since may cause rebound trembling and increased temperature) , tepid sponging and paracetamol, would help to reduce the temperature.
Any other symptoms can be treated symptomatically eg if congested, normal saline spray may be helpful to clear her nasal passages.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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