Resolved question:
My soon to be 6 year old son caught a virus about 6 weeks ago. 102 fever, tired, etc. It lasted 7 days. He was better for a week, then another one came back. 101-102 fever, snuffy/runny nose, headache. Lasted 3 days. He was better for 2 weeks. A few days ago, he woke with a 101.1 fever, no other symptoms. It lasted one day. Then two days after (yesterday and today), his temp was 99.1 upon waking. I checked it a few times..99.2 and 99.4 last I checked. No other symptoms still.
I know that's not technically a fever, but should I have him tested for anything? I'm worried about underlying major issues. It seems to be a long while dealing with a fever now. I really just want to know if he can be fighting a normal cold of some sort 3 times in 6 weeks? We have a healthy family and he has no other symptoms. He's eating, drinking and is energetic. I'm just worried about this temp issue. Is this normal??? Can a virus linger for 6 weeks or come back twice, etc? Should I get his blood tested or am I being oversensitive? I just worry b/c you see things like Leukemia being caught by persistent fevers, etc.
Thank you,
Ed C (a worried father of 3 young boys)
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Pediatrician
Hello,
Thank you for your query at DoctorSpring.com
I can understand your concerns. They are definitely valid. In fact, it is important for parents to recognise these subtle pointers. It is definitely not normal for a six year old to develop fever so frequently.
In such cases, we may need to consider the following:
1. Is the infectious organism hiding in a sanctuary site and emerging from within? Children could be having a sinusitis- inflammation involving the sinus cavities of the face. This could flare up intermittently with URI symptoms
2. Is the child at risk for catching these viral infections repeatedly? Children with primary or secondary immunodeficiency can have such frequent upper respiratory tract infections. Combined variable immunodeficiency classically presents with recurrent minor infections.
3. Is the child having a non infectious cause mimicking an infection? Children with allergic rhinitis or sinusitis can have upper respiratory tract symptoms with low grade fever or none at all. A leukaemia could present with only prolonged fever but there would be other symptoms and the fever would be persistent.
It is important that your child gets evaluated for sinusitis, primary or secondary immunodeficiency. If the fever persists, a formal evaluation in the lines of PYREXIA OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN.
Regards
Dr. Saptharishi