Question
What could be the reason for a 12-year-old’s high fever for 4 days?
Answer
The primary consideration is likely a viral infection causing the fever symptoms. It is advised to have a routine blood test done to aid in diagnosis. If antiviral treatment is ineffective, it may be appropriate to use some symptomatic anti-inflammatory medication, which might be more effective. The characteristic of viral infections is that they often lead to recurrent high fevers. Viruses generally stop replicating after about a week, so there’s no need to be overly anxious. Drink plenty of water, ensure adequate rest. If the body temperature is below 38.5 degrees Celsius, you can apply forehead cold compresses for physical cooling. For higher temperatures, you can use fever-reducing medication. Fever is a process, and if there are any abnormalities such as changes in mental state, it is advisable to seek medical treatment promptly.