Question
The baby has developed high fever due to acute upper respiratory infection, with symptoms of refusing milk and a red throat starting three days ago. The child was examined at the Wuhan Military Children’s Hospital, diagnosed with acute upper respiratory infection, and prescribed medication for treatment. I would like to inquire about the treatment methods for the cause and treatment of the disease.
Answer
Treating high fever caused by acute upper respiratory infection can be divided into three methods:
- Antibiotic Treatment: If it is only a viral infection, antibiotic medication is not necessary. However, if there are signs of bacterial infection such as elevated white blood cell count, purulent tonsils, or yellow sputum, antibiotics such as penicillin, first-generation cephalosporins, macrolides, or quinolones can be used under a doctor’s guidance. It is usually not necessary to select antibiotics based on the pathogen.
- Antiviral Treatment: There is currently no specific antiviral medication available, and the misuse of antiviral drugs may lead to drug resistance in influenza viruses. If there is no fever and the immune function is normal, antiviral medication is generally not needed for more than two days after onset. However, immune-deficient patients can use it regularly from an early stage. Broad-spectrum antiviral drugs like ribavirin and oseltamivir have strong inhibitory effects on influenza viruses, parainfluenza viruses, and respiratory syncytial viruses, which can shorten the course of the disease.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment: Traditional Chinese medicine with cooling and detoxifying effects can also be chosen to help improve symptoms and shorten the course of the disease. Xiao Chaihu Decoction and Banlangen Decoction are widely used.