AboutMary Pat, R.N. Expertise I am happy to answer general non-diagnostic questions on infant & child care, infant & toddler feedings, discipline, illnesses, and how to access resources for the child with special needs.
Experience I am a pediatric nurse, an R.N. with 40 years experience first as manager of a community hospital pediatric department & 11 years working in a private pediatric practice. I have managed more than 100,000 phone calls from parents in private practice.
Question Hi-
I have a one year old daughter who has a 4 day history of intermittent fever,
between 103.5 and 104.7 (taken rectally). On day 2 I took her to the dr
because the fever (104.5) was not coming down two hours after a dose of
tylenol. All the blood work came back negative, and there is no obvious
source of infection. I was told to come back in 2-3 days if nothing changes,
but won't be able to get in for 3 days from now (if she's still having the
temps). My questions are, is she contagious? If it's viral, why does the dr
want me to bring her back in? How long can this intermittent fever last? Is
there a chance it isn't viral? If so, what else are they looking for? I should
mention that my daughter has no other symptoms, just the fever. I'm just
trying to figure out how long we need to be housebound, and what questions
I should be asking. Thank you so much for your time.
Answer Dee:
The doctor obviously did not find a source of infection so I am sure they are thinking this is a viral illness. It sounds like it. I would also think they would want to see your daughter back after 3 days with no change to insure a treatable infection has not crept up secondarily.
If this is viral it can last a week. If the fevers persist beyond 7 days she should go back to the doctor. Make sure she gets plenty of fluids in the meantime.
She is contagious if she has fever and should not be out and about until she is fever free for 24 hours.
