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What Causes Cough, Fever And Tiredness In A Child?

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Posted on Thu, 24 Nov 2016
Question: My son (3 years) had sudden flu like symptoms (cough, fever, tired) 4 days ago. The first night he had high fever 101 and vomited. he has continued to have fever that fluctuates 99-102. Last night he had a high fever 103 and had cold shakes, he also vomited. I bathed him in warm water, provided him with fluids, and tylenol and it helped. I took my son to the pediatricians yesterday no sign of strep or ear infection and believed the lungs were clear. My son has no appetite and has fever this morning. I am considering taking him to the hospital. Please advise.
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Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (57 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Likely to be a viral infection.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

I have gone carefully through the details and understand your concern. Most often such symptoms are due to viral infections and antibiotics are ineffective in such cases. Irrespective of treatment, it usually spontaneously resolves in 5-7 days. Since your child is otherwise active and playful, I would not be concerned.

If your child has fever with temperature more than 100°F, you need to give acetaminophen (Tylenol) to bring down. If Tylenol is not effective in bringing down the temperature, you need to use Meftal-P (mefenamic acid) which is more effective (prescription medicine). Also use tepid sponging.

Giving steam inhalation to your child helps in reducing the congestion. Water vapor will reach deep inside and would help in diluting the cough and thus would provide relief.

Hopefully that would help. Feel free to write back in case of further queries.

Regards
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Diptanshu Das

Pediatrician

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 3875 Questions

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What Causes Cough, Fever And Tiredness In A Child?

Brief Answer: Likely to be a viral infection. Detailed Answer: Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic. I have gone carefully through the details and understand your concern. Most often such symptoms are due to viral infections and antibiotics are ineffective in such cases. Irrespective of treatment, it usually spontaneously resolves in 5-7 days. Since your child is otherwise active and playful, I would not be concerned. If your child has fever with temperature more than 100°F, you need to give acetaminophen (Tylenol) to bring down. If Tylenol is not effective in bringing down the temperature, you need to use Meftal-P (mefenamic acid) which is more effective (prescription medicine). Also use tepid sponging. Giving steam inhalation to your child helps in reducing the congestion. Water vapor will reach deep inside and would help in diluting the cough and thus would provide relief. Hopefully that would help. Feel free to write back in case of further queries. Regards