Persistent Low-Grade Fevers in My 10-Year-Old
My ten-year-old daughter has been experiencing intermittent low-grade fevers ranging from 99°F to 102°F over the last five days. Although she was prescribed amoxicillin for suspected strep throat, she showed no signs of fever yesterday. Unfortunately, this morning, she woke up with a temperature of 101.5°F. Aside from feeling tired and having a sore throat—where her tonsils appear swollen and red, yet she reports no pain in her lymph nodes—she hasn’t displayed any other concerning symptoms. She began taking the amoxicillin approximately 35 hours ago. What strikes me as particularly unusual is the pattern of her fever disappearing completely only to return shortly afterward. At what stage should we consider seeking further medical advice? This is the longest she has ever had a fever, but I’m aware that some infections might require two to three days of antibiotic treatment before improvement is seen.
Answers (1)
7/9/2025, 1:30:54 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to be concerned about your daughter's fluctuating fevers and her sore throat, especially considering the recent antibiotic treatment. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening and what steps to take next.
Main Points:
- The fever pattern you're noticing can be common, especially during infections that might take time to resolve.
- Monitor her symptoms closely, especially related to her throat and overall well-being.
- If fever persists beyond a few more days or worsens, further evaluation may be necessary.
Explanation:
Low-grade fevers in children can occur with various viral and bacterial infections. Given that your daughter has started antibiotic treatment for suspected strep throat, it's not uncommon for fevers to continue for a couple of days as her body responds to the medication. The fact that the fever temporarily disappears and then reappears can indicate that her body is fighting an infection, or it could suggest that the antibiotics are not fully addressing the issue yet.
Next Steps:
-
Continue Monitoring: Keep track of her fever and any other symptoms, such as changes in her throat condition or new symptoms appearing. A consistent record can be helpful for your healthcare provider later.
-
Hydration and Rest: Ensure she stays well-hydrated and gets plenty of rest to support her recovery.
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Pain Management: If she experiences discomfort or pain from her sore throat, consider using age-appropriate pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help ease her symptoms.
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Seek Further Help If:
- The fever persists for more than 3 days despite antibiotic treatment.
- She develops more severe symptoms (e.g., difficulty breathing, significant lethargy, or severe sore throat).
- There's a noticeable change in her condition, such as increased difficulty swallowing or any swelling in the neck area besides her tonsils.
If her fever continues or other symptoms worsen as you monitor her, it would be time to consult her healthcare provider for further evaluation. You're doing a great job keeping an eye on her health; staying attentive is key. Please let me know if you have further questions or need more guidance.
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