Question
How should I handle a child with a high blood count and persistent fever?
Answer
A high white blood cell count definitely suggests an upper respiratory infection. Cefaclor and paracetamol with chlorphenamine should be the correct treatment. However, to achieve fever reduction, at least two days of medication are required; there will be intermittent fever before the inflammation subsides. During this period, if the child has a fever, physical cooling methods such as warm water baths, alcohol-based sponge baths, or ice packs can be used. If physical cooling does not reduce the fever, it is appropriate to use some antipyretic medications. Paracetamol with chlorphenamine can also help reduce fever, as can children’s fever suppositories and medications like Merck’s Mefenamic Acid, etc.