My 10 Year Old Fever

You know everyone is going to tell you to get to the doctor.

My oldest son once had fever ranging from 102-105 for 7 days straight during Christmas break. He was 9 or 10 years old at the time, and had no symptoms other than fever. We went to the doctor a couple of times, but never determined what it was. The doctor guessed that it was a virus, but wasn't sure.

I hope your child feels better soon.

Hi Suz -There is a virus going around! I live in Mission Valley area and several friends have had their kids home for the same symptoms as you are describing. Not just our school but in Poway, PQ, and Escondido too.
After 3-7 days they seem to recover. Of course I would speak with your doctor but just to let you know that there does seem to be some sort of virus in San Diego/North County. good luck!

First thing. If your child has a temperature of 103F, strip him/her down to bring down the temperature. If the temperature doesn't drop then cool slightly with a damp cloth. Give the child "Childrens Tylenol" as prescribed by physician or on the bottle. IF THE TEMPERATURE DOES NOT SIGNIFICANTLY DROP, SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. CALL 911 IF NEED BE.

Have more than one temperature taking device at all times to compare and cross check the readings. Children can tolerate high temps for quite some time before displaying late signs of being ill. When your child can no longer tolerate the high fever, a seizure could result. On the flip side, if you drop your childs temperature too far, too fast, a seizure could result also!! A temperature of 103F is too high for me to feel comfortable. I am a paramedic and have some skills which can help my children in this situation, but I AM NO DOCTOR and there are bacterias and viruses that need medical attention. DO NOT DISCOUNT YOUR CHILDS FEVER if it doesn't feel right.

Our doctor always said that the actual number of the fever is less important than how they are acting. If the fever is high but they are playing or watching tv and seem comfortable he was less concerned that with a low fever but a lethargic or cranky child.
I would call the nurse and give the child whatever you use for fever (we used ibuprofen since it lasts longest). No need to run to the doctor for every virus or flu. Also make sure he takes fluids even if he does not eat. We use diluted gatorade (half water, half orange gatorade) and make popsickles with it.
Hope your child feels better soon.

Shortly after school started, my son had the fever but the symptoms were irratibility and a headache. I took him in but they couldn't find what was going on. He actually missed 3 weeks of school, on and off. New Years Eve I took him in, again, and he had a nasty ear infection and the Dr. thought he had a Sinus Infection that he thinks was there for qhite a while. He took 2 rounds of antibiotics and knock wood, is fine now.

Good luck and I hope your kiddo feels better soon!!