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When Should I Worry About A Prolonged Low Grade Fever

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Posted on Fri, 2 Oct 2020
Question: when should I worry about a prolonged low grade fever in my 5 year old daughter? For the last 3 days she has ran warm (99-100.4). she has had some loss in appetite but mood and personality are normal. she has no other symptoms of anything. We have given her Motrin, and it her temperature comes down. Thank you for your help
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Answered by Dr. Lisa Baker (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Wait and watch with some thoughts reg. COVID

Detailed Answer:
Hello.

There are 2 answers.

First, in terms of her wellbeing - you don't have to worry yet. As long as she is not having trouble breathing, in not having a new consistent cough, and is staying well hydrated you are OK to watch her.

This is a low-grade fever. Pre-COVID, we would barely worry about 100.4.

The second answer - in this day and age, any low-grade fever could be COVID. Mostly children are having very mild symptoms, such as your daughter has, or no symptoms at all.

If it were COVID there is a chance that she is contagious and that at-risk people should be kept away from her. If she lives with grandparents or medically at-risk people you might consider having her tested so that you know.

But for her own good, the results of being tested will not change management - keep comfortable and hydrated and see what happens over the next few days.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

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. Arnab Banerjee
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Answered by
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Dr. Lisa Baker

Pediatrician

Practicing since :1990

Answered : 104 Questions

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When Should I Worry About A Prolonged Low Grade Fever

Brief Answer: Wait and watch with some thoughts reg. COVID Detailed Answer: Hello. There are 2 answers. First, in terms of her wellbeing - you don't have to worry yet. As long as she is not having trouble breathing, in not having a new consistent cough, and is staying well hydrated you are OK to watch her. This is a low-grade fever. Pre-COVID, we would barely worry about 100.4. The second answer - in this day and age, any low-grade fever could be COVID. Mostly children are having very mild symptoms, such as your daughter has, or no symptoms at all. If it were COVID there is a chance that she is contagious and that at-risk people should be kept away from her. If she lives with grandparents or medically at-risk people you might consider having her tested so that you know. But for her own good, the results of being tested will not change management - keep comfortable and hydrated and see what happens over the next few days. Let me know if I can assist you further.