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Suggest Treatment For Secondary Infection From Chicken Pox
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My daughter had the secondary infection from chicken pox She took all antibiotics and finished them approx 2 weeks ago. Yesterday she was complaining of her ear hurting. Now she has a fever around a 101 to 102 and she is red behind ears and neck. Could this be a complication from the secondary infection coming back? Should she be seen tonight?
No panic, Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen syrup, see Dr
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,
Small pox in its self is caused by a virus. The treatment is usually given is mainly to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. Infections (bacterial) are one of these complications. It was actually justified in the first case giving her the antibiotics.
A temperature of 101 is a mild fever and deserves however a careful evaluation to know what is going on. Redness means there is an inflammatory process going on. This could be caused by a viral infection, or more likely in this case by a bacterial infection. This might not imply the treatment she took lately was poor, this could be a new infection.
It is important to examine her and know there are no new eruptions. If here general outlook is good, if she is not vomiting, not in serious pain and not tired, i do not think this should be an emergency. Symptomatic treatment is adequate. Managing the fever most importantly is sufficient as she waits to get a proper review from her primary care doctor.
I suggest you give her some Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen if she has no eruptions to control the fever. Using a soaked towel in silkworm water to reduce her temperature in case it rises is advisable. You will need to keep a good watch on her especially for the temperature, general outlook, any vomiting or other new complaints. It is important to note if the temperature is allowed to rise so much, the child might convulse, which is not a good idea.
I really do not think this call for panic, especially of she is apparently looking good. This is a child and therefore deserves a proper clinical review tomorrow. Lowering her temperature with Acetaminophen and using silkworm water to night should be sufficient.
No panics and regards as I wish her the best of health.
Dr Bain
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