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My Kid Is 20 Month Has A Fever From A Virus He Is Sleeping A Lot During The Day But Up At Night What Possible This Could Be?

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Posted on Tue, 11 Apr 2023
Question: If a 20 month old falls backwards and hit his head should he see a doctor? He has a fever from a virus that was contracted a few days ago. Had a runny nose also before the fall. Did not show signs of disorientation immediately afterward. It was two days ago. Has been sleeping a lot during the day but up at night. Screams when trying to put him to bed at night. Wants to go to bed during the day. Played this morning for two hours then wanted to go to sleep. Eat a good breakfast. Drinks water. Cousin had a 48 hour virus thought it was just that.
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (40 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
likely a viral illness as stated, can last 1 to 2 weeks in some children

Detailed Answer:
HI,

It is understandable to be concerned re any possible head injury in a small child but he should be okay.

The drowsiness would be related to the viral infection that he is currently fighting off, though his cousin was better in 48 hours, most kids may have symptoms of these upper respiratory tract infections for at least 1 to 2 weeks.

Because he is tired and sleeping so much during the day, he is not as tired at night and therefore would not sleep. He would need to be kept up a bit during the day so that he would be tired enough to sleep at night. This may make him a bit unhappy though.

Since he is not sleeping at night, he cannot be said to be excessively drowsy which is one of the symptoms of significant head trauma.

If the fever is high, you can consider giving him children's paracetamol or tylenol to help reduce it.
Cold liquids would also help as well.

If there is any nasal congestion bothering him during the night, since that is the time it si worse, normal saline drops or spray, may help to open his airways.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Thanks.

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. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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My Kid Is 20 Month Has A Fever From A Virus He Is Sleeping A Lot During The Day But Up At Night What Possible This Could Be?

Brief Answer: likely a viral illness as stated, can last 1 to 2 weeks in some children Detailed Answer: HI, It is understandable to be concerned re any possible head injury in a small child but he should be okay. The drowsiness would be related to the viral infection that he is currently fighting off, though his cousin was better in 48 hours, most kids may have symptoms of these upper respiratory tract infections for at least 1 to 2 weeks. Because he is tired and sleeping so much during the day, he is not as tired at night and therefore would not sleep. He would need to be kept up a bit during the day so that he would be tired enough to sleep at night. This may make him a bit unhappy though. Since he is not sleeping at night, he cannot be said to be excessively drowsy which is one of the symptoms of significant head trauma. If the fever is high, you can consider giving him children's paracetamol or tylenol to help reduce it. Cold liquids would also help as well. If there is any nasal congestion bothering him during the night, since that is the time it si worse, normal saline drops or spray, may help to open his airways. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions Thanks.