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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Does Antibiotic Usage For Fever Have Any Reactions?

When my daughter was 1 - 2 years old I was told that running a fever for up to 5 days was not uncommon with a virus. Now that she s 4, I was just told that running a fever for 5 days is way too long. They want to start her on antibiotics even though there are no signs of a bacterial infection (lungs clear, ears clear). She did develop a cough yesterday and still has a fever but otherwise seems to be doing much better overall today, perkier, playful, running around. The fever also went down from an average of 102 for 4 days, to 99 - 100 for most of the day with no Tylenol. She s never been on antibiotics and I worry about reactions, am reluctant to have her take them if it s not necessary. Any gut feeling on this one? Would it hurt to wait a day and see how she passes the night and if the higher fever is really broken?
posted on Fri, 14 Mar 2014
Twitter Wed, 9 Sep 2020 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 10 Sep 2020 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

Since your child has been having fever for more than 4 days it is advisable to consult a paediatrician who has probably suggested starting on antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections as her immunity is already low.

There is no harm in starting antibiotics by giving a test dose to see if it suits her and there after continue for 7-10 days. usually viral fever subsides after a week by itself . however it is important to prevent any secondary bacterial infection related to this. I feel your doctor is correct about the treatment plan. kindly trust them.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Riyanka Chail, General & Family Physician
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Does Antibiotic Usage For Fever Have Any Reactions?

Hi, Since your child has been having fever for more than 4 days it is advisable to consult a paediatrician who has probably suggested starting on antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections as her immunity is already low. There is no harm in starting antibiotics by giving a test dose to see if it suits her and there after continue for 7-10 days. usually viral fever subsides after a week by itself . however it is important to prevent any secondary bacterial infection related to this. I feel your doctor is correct about the treatment plan. kindly trust them. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Riyanka Chail, General & Family Physician