Concerning Fever in My 5-Year-Old: When Should I Consider a Second Opinion?
My 5-year-old son has been battling a strain of the flu since Tuesday night. For the past six and a half days, he has experienced a persistent fever ranging from 102°F to 105°F, accompanied by common flu symptoms such as nasal congestion, abdominal discomfort, and a severe cough. To help alleviate his discomfort, we have been administering Tylenol and ibuprofen in rotation around the clock. He is hardly eating, lacks energy, takes multiple naps throughout the day, and shows little interest in playing. I have never witnessed him this ill, and the thought that we are approaching a week without any sign of improvement is quite alarming. My son has been seen by our pediatrician twice, who has confirmed that both his ears and lungs appear healthy, advising us to continue monitoring him at home. When should I consider seeking a second opinion? Is it typical for a child to be this ill for such an extended period? Could he potentially be dealing with a second virus that hasn’t been tested for yet? After pressing for further testing today, his lab results showed several readings that fell outside the normal range: - White Blood Cells (WBC): 3.7 - Hemoglobin: 10 - Segmented Neutrophils: 51.8 - Band Neutrophils: 0.9 - Lymphocytes: 25 - Monocytes: 11.7 - Absolute Lymphocytes: 0.9 Additionally, he did receive his flu vaccine this season.
Answers (1)
3/25/2025, 5:30:46 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're understandably very concerned about your son's prolonged illness. A fever lasting this long, especially with flu-like symptoms, is definitely something to keep a close eye on.
Main Points:
- Prolonged Symptoms: It is concerning that your son has had a high fever and flu symptoms for over a week without noticeable improvement.
- Lab Results: His lab results show some abnormalities that warrant further discussion.
- Next Steps: Focusing on when to seek a second opinion and what immediate actions to take is essential.
Explanation:
With a fever persisting for over six days and significant symptoms like lack of energy and decreased appetite, it’s natural to worry. The abnormal lab results, particularly the low white blood cell count and hemoglobin, suggest that your son may not just be dealing with the flu but could have another issue that requires further investigation.
It's not typical for a child to remain this ill for such a long duration with just the flu, especially with the vaccination. While it's possible he could be battling a second infection or a different virus, the ongoing symptoms signal that he may need more comprehensive evaluation and monitoring.
Next Steps:
-
Seek a Second Opinion Now: Given your son’s symptoms, duration of illness, and lab results, it's appropriate to seek a second opinion. You can do this either by consulting another pediatrician or by visiting an urgent care clinic that specializes in children's health. Bring all medical records and symptoms documentation.
-
Monitor Symptoms Closely: Keep a detailed log of his symptoms, including fever patterns, how he responds to medications, and any new symptoms that arise. This will be helpful to healthcare providers.
-
Hydration & Nutrition: Even if he isn't eating well, ensure he stays well-hydrated. Offer fluids regularly, and try to provide small, nutritious snacks that are appealing to him. Consider options like smoothies, broth, or applesauce.
-
Comfort Measures: Continue administering Tylenol or ibuprofen as recommended for fever relief, and ensure he rests as much as needed to aid recovery. Creating a comfortable environment can help him feel better while he’s ill.
-
Investigate Further if Symptoms Worsen: If he develops any new symptoms (such as difficulty breathing, rash, neck stiffness, severe headache, or persistent vomiting), seek immediate medical attention.
I hope your son feels better soon. Your attentiveness as a parent is crucial in situations like these, and seeking further evaluation is a wise choice.
Related Questions
Braved the Cold Without Gloves at -20
19-year-old from Toronto here. After being outside in frigid temperatures, I've returned home feeling quite cold. My right hand is experiencing numbness and tingling in the fingertips. What steps should I take? It's been around 7 to 8 hours since I was outdoors.
Managing Early Appendicitis: Antibiotics vs. Surgery
I’m a 21-year-old who recently had a CT scan revealing mild inflammation in my appendix and lymph nodes. My doctor informed me that surgery might not be necessary if the antibiotics effectively alleviate my discomfort by tomorrow. However, I can’t shake my fears about a potential recurrence of the inflammation. The thought of going through a post-surgery recovery terrifies me, so I really want to steer clear of that option. Has anyone opted for antibiotics rather than surgical intervention? What was your experience like?
Severe Abdominal Discomfort
An 18-year-old male, with no history of smoking or current medications, finds himself at home, surrounded by his sleeping family. He stands approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs around 220 pounds. Lately, he has been experiencing persistent discomfort in the lower left side of his abdomen. This sensation has intensified recently, culminating in a bout of vomiting, which was notably different this time, presenting more solid material rather than the usual liquid with some fragments. The level of pain has escalated significantly, leaving him uncertain about seeking medical assistance at this moment. What steps should he take?
Concerns Over My Partner's Persistent Pain and Resistance to Seek Medical Help
I’m facing a worrying situation with my partner, a 40-year-old man who stands 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs approximately 19 stone. Here's a brief overview of his medical background: Twenty years ago, he experienced two instances of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his left shoulder. Following the second incident, doctors discovered an abnormal growth of a rib that was pressing against a vein, which was the cause of those DVTs. More recently, he dealt with a blood clot in his calf last year. Fortunately, that was successfully treated, and he returned to his normal health. Although he was advised to continue taking apixaban for the long term, he has, unfortunately, chosen not to follow through with this guidance. He also has a history of elevated blood pressure. For the past couple of days, he has been experiencing two concerning symptoms that emerged simultaneously: a persistent cough with no accompanying cold or flu signs, and a severe pain located on the right side of his torso. He describes this discomfort as being mostly in his stomach yet extending slightly to his back. I would pinpoint the troubled area as the lower part of his ribs along the side of his body. It's unusual for him to express discomfort or complain about his health, so his recent grievances signal to me that the pain is likely quite significant. Despite my repeated suggestions for him to visit a doctor, he insists that he may have simply pulled a muscle. To manage the pain, he's been applying an ibuprofen cream (voltarol) and taking naproxen, but neither seems to provide relief. What might be the underlying issue here? I hope that some medical professionals who see this post can offer their insights, which might persuade him to consider making a doctor’s appointment. I’m open to providing any additional information you might require for a more informed perspective. Thank you for your help!
Struggling with Bleeding and Pain Since Christmas
I'm a 27-year-old woman from the UK, and I've reached a point of exasperation. I'm reaching out because I hope someone can provide insight or guidance on what I should discuss with my doctors. Please excuse any grammar or spelling errors as I have dyslexia. I've been diagnosed with endometriosis and underwent surgery in 2022 for confirmation of that diagnosis. On December 15th, I had my birth control implant removed after nearly two years. During that period, I experienced severe menstrual cramps and PMS. My GP started me on Drospirenone 3mg and Estetrol 14.2mg COCP in October to alleviate these symptoms and suppress my periods, which provided some relief. Prior to this situation, I occasionally dealt with flare-ups that typically lasted a few days or up to a week. To help manage the discomfort, I have been prescribed Duloxetine at a dosage of 90mg. I had an ultrasound earlier this summer, and the results came back normal. Currently, I am awaiting an MRI. Last year, my smear test results were also clear. After the removal of my implant in December, I began bleeding on Christmas Eve. Initially, I could manage with just a panty liner, but over the next few weeks, the bleeding intensified, requiring the use of pads due to increased blood flow and blood clots. Given my history with endometriosis, pain isn't unfamiliar to me; my average pain level is around a 4, but it has recently escalated to 7 or 8. In the past couple of weeks, the discomfort has worsened. My job demands physical activity, and bending over now causes pain in my back and legs. Additionally, I experience discomfort when my bladder fills, and urination is painful, although it doesn't feel like a urinary tract infection. I've also been waking up at night to use the restroom. My doctor performed a urine dip test that showed no signs of infection, though there was blood in my urine, which he indicated was to be expected. Recently, my GP prescribed Tranexamic acid 500mg and Mefenamic acid 500mg, which helped with the blood clots, but I'm still experiencing bleeding and significant pain. I've been diligent about taking my medication, treating it like a strict regimen. I returned to the GP, who referred me for another ultrasound and advised me to go to A&E if the pain worsens. I've been resting as much as possible while still trying to maintain some level of activity, but it hasn't provided much relief. Any assistance or advice would be immensely appreciated! Thank you!