Question
My child is 2.5 years old and has had a fever for three nights, with temperatures consistently at 38.5 degrees. There are no other symptoms, just the fever. The doctor has done tests and all values are normal, and prescribed Chai Gui and Ning Qing. The medication didn’t seem to have much effect, so I gave him some children’s Tylenol, but the fever went down and then came back at night. I’m wondering if he needs to be hydrated through an IV. I really don’t want to give him an IV, and I’m concerned about how long this fever will last.
Answer
Pay attention to your child’s mental state. If the child has a high fever but is still in good spirits, laughing and playing after taking medication to reduce the fever, it indicates that their condition is not severe, and they can be safely cared for at home. If the child appears listless, tired, and unresponsive, it suggests a more serious illness and immediate hospital care is needed. Observe your child’s complexion. If their face looks normal or slightly flushed, you can rest assured about home care. However, if their face appears pale, yellowish, bluish, or purplish, with a dazed look in their eyes, it indicates a severe condition and they should be taken to the hospital.