Question
A 20-month-old baby has been experiencing recurrent fever due to a bacterial infection, and has been receiving intravenous treatment at the hospital, including the administration of saline, glucose, ceftriaxone, and vitamins. A week ago, the child had just a cold, but started to have a fever at night four days ago, with a temperature reaching 38.6°C, which then rose to 39°C. Today at noon, the fever reached 39.4°C again. Although the fever reduced after taking antipyretic medication, the fever still recurs.
Answer
Fever in children often accompanies infections, common causes including viruses, bacteria, and mycoplasma. Your child’s persistent fever suggests that the infection may not be effectively controlled. 1. You mentioned that the blood test showed an elevated white blood cell count, which may indicate a bacterial infection, and given that there was a cold before, a respiratory infection is likely. 2. How many days has the current intravenous treatment been going on? If the course is too short, it may not be effective. Typically, treatment needs to last at least three days or more for the medication’s effects to fully manifest.