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Suggest Treatment For Fever, Sore Throat And Headaches
Question: My son (9 years) started having a fever, headache, sore throat and ear ache yesterday after school. I have been giving him advil every 6 hrs. His fever has reached as high as 103. Now he is complaining of a stiff neck.
Brief Answer:
Meningitis - go to Emergency room
Detailed Answer:
Hi there,
Unfortunately, you are going to need to go to the emergency room. Headaches, stiff neck, and fevers is meningitis until proven otherwise. About 95% of people with these symptoms will have meningitis. Meningitis is a life-threatening infection of the meninges - the area surrounding the brain. He will need to have complete work up including blood work and lumbar puncture which will analyze the fluid in the brain. The analysis will determine if the fluid is infected with bacteria or viruses. At that time, your doctor will be able to formulate a further plan - such as antibiotics, steroids, and further work up.
Please let me know if you have further questions or concerns.
Meningitis - go to Emergency room
Detailed Answer:
Hi there,
Unfortunately, you are going to need to go to the emergency room. Headaches, stiff neck, and fevers is meningitis until proven otherwise. About 95% of people with these symptoms will have meningitis. Meningitis is a life-threatening infection of the meninges - the area surrounding the brain. He will need to have complete work up including blood work and lumbar puncture which will analyze the fluid in the brain. The analysis will determine if the fluid is infected with bacteria or viruses. At that time, your doctor will be able to formulate a further plan - such as antibiotics, steroids, and further work up.
Please let me know if you have further questions or concerns.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Thanks for your response to my question. Just wish to add that he usually feels better an hour after he takes Advil - he says his neck is not stiff any more. His temperature does go up towards that last hour before his next dose, then within an 1 hour after taking Advil it goes down to 99
Brief Answer:
Expected response from Advil
Detailed Answer:
Hi there,
Advil and Tylenol are very good medications to help reduce fevers and pain. Therefore, I would expected this response after taking Advil. It still does not undermine the severity of the situation. I would continue to take the Advil for pain and fevers, but I would still recommend going to see a medical professional as soon as possible.
Expected response from Advil
Detailed Answer:
Hi there,
Advil and Tylenol are very good medications to help reduce fevers and pain. Therefore, I would expected this response after taking Advil. It still does not undermine the severity of the situation. I would continue to take the Advil for pain and fevers, but I would still recommend going to see a medical professional as soon as possible.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
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