Question
At 12 days old, the child’s blood count test showed elevated levels. The child has developed a rash on the face along with purulent discharge. How should this be handled?
Answer
Elevated blood counts are typically a sign of inflammation, often with a clear site of disease, such as the throat or tonsils. Based on the description, the child may have suffered from an upper respiratory infection. Parents should be aware of any symptoms such as coughing. It is recommended to undergo antibiotic treatment and consider testing for EB virus or mycoplasma. Treatment can be administered through intravenous medication and encourage the child to drink plenty of water. As long as the blood count does not exceed 10,000, there is usually no need for excessive concern.