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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?
Thu, 10 Sep 2020
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
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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