Question
The baby started having a fever in the afternoon two days ago, with a high fever at night. The blood test at the hospital showed a slightly elevated white blood cell count. Since coming home, the baby has had intermittent fevers. The fever subsided yesterday, but it rose again to 39 degrees last night. The baby has taken fever-reducing medication. Should we seek medical attention again? The doctor said not to administer intravenous fluids and recommended continuing the medication at home.
Answer
I’m sorry to hear about your baby’s persistent fever. Here are some suggestions for you to consider:
- The baby has had a fever for three days, with the highest temperature reaching 39 degrees, which indeed requires attention.
- The hospital’s blood test indicated an elevated white blood cell count, which could be a sign of bacterial infection.
- The doctor’s recommendation for oral antibiotic treatment is reasonable. At the same time, it’s advised to ensure adequate hydration, use physical cooling methods, and avoid overdressing the baby to prevent affecting body temperature regulation.
- It is suggested to seek medical attention again today so that the doctor can listen to the lung condition and rule out bronchitis or pneumonia, as well as check for myocardial enzymes to confirm whether myocardial damage has occurred.
- Continue to monitor the baby’s temperature and symptoms for any deterioration or other discomforts, and if there are any concerns, contact a doctor or seek medical treatment immediately.