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What Causes Persistent High Fever In A 5 Year Old Child?
Question: Hello, my 5 year old daughter woke on saturday with a high fever 104 she had it all day saturday. we normally give her nothing and just let the fever run its course. On sunday it was down into the 100-101 range and yesterday it was pretty much back to normal. this morning she awoke and her fever had gone up slightly again 100.5. My question is...is it normal for hte body to raise the temp again just to make sure all of the illness is gone? or should i have her seen because of the possibility of a secondary bacterial infection
Brief Answer:
fever can recur with viral infection, if otherwise well, can monitor
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
The resurgence of the fever does not necessarily indicate a bacterial infection, most cases of fever in children is due to a viral cause.
Fever related to viral infections can recur as well, it does indicate that the infection causing the fever is still present and she would need to be monitored.
Bacterial infection is more likely if the fever persists for more than 2 additional days, since she already had it for at least 2 days.
Bacterial infections also would cause more severe symptoms usually- marked decreased activity, appetite, lethargy
If there is a specific source of bacterial infection eg the ear- ear pain, discharge
or the throat- severe throat pain, this this may need to be treated with antibiotics
If she is other wise well- active and fair appetite, you can consider monitoring
If this is not the case, then she may need to be assessed.
I hope this helps,feel free to ask any other questions
fever can recur with viral infection, if otherwise well, can monitor
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
The resurgence of the fever does not necessarily indicate a bacterial infection, most cases of fever in children is due to a viral cause.
Fever related to viral infections can recur as well, it does indicate that the infection causing the fever is still present and she would need to be monitored.
Bacterial infection is more likely if the fever persists for more than 2 additional days, since she already had it for at least 2 days.
Bacterial infections also would cause more severe symptoms usually- marked decreased activity, appetite, lethargy
If there is a specific source of bacterial infection eg the ear- ear pain, discharge
or the throat- severe throat pain, this this may need to be treated with antibiotics
If she is other wise well- active and fair appetite, you can consider monitoring
If this is not the case, then she may need to be assessed.
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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