Question re fever

[Anonymous]

I consider myself to be reasonably intelligent, but what is the deal with fever and H1N1. My pediatrician told me it will be high--over 102. Then I read that not everyone gets a fever, or elsewhere, that any fever (ie. temps over 100.4) are consistent with this flu.

I ask because we are on day 2 of over 100.4 but under 102, stuffy nose (but not running like a cold), fatigue/lethargy, sneezing. Can't get a good read on body aches etc. since my child is 4 and desperately does not want to miss school tomorrow or trick or treating....

[Anonymous]

I think the degree of fever just varies by individual --- my 7-y-o had a 102-103 degree, stays-high-even-if-you-layer-tylenol-and-ibuprofen, fever, with vomiting for four days. This convinced her doctor it was probably H1N1 (even though the swab said not flu). My 12-y-o (and her best friend) have had the day-after-day, low fever, aches/pains/headaches, no appetite version. I think it's most likely the same illness ... I think it's most likely flu ... but who knows?

[Anonymous]

OP, I think a lot of flu cases are presenting with a high fever, but plenty do not. So you can't go by fever.

I also have a child with flu-like symptoms, moderate fever, on day two. He very well will miss Halloween trick - or -treating tomorrow... as will likely a bunch of kids in our community. There's a lot of sick kids here right now, whatever it is -- H1N1 or "just" a different flu-like virus.

It stinks, but if my child isn't free of fever for 24 hours plus feeling great -- i.e. no bad lingering cough, etc. -- he's not going trick or treating. I wouldn't want him to infect others, of course, but also, it's probably going to be cold, maybe even rainy -- and he might relapse. Doctors are very busy right now, the last thing they need is a bunch of kids who pushed themselves to go out trick or treating and then came down with bronchitis and pneumonia.

I suppose he could just do a few houses and not overly exert himself, but he's old enough that he wants to do the whole town.

I'm hoping we might be able to do a Halloween repeat in our town in another week or so, for the little kids who missed out. Because from reading people's Facebook pages, a LOT of kids are down sick this week.

[Anonymous]

If he's sick, he's sick. What does it matter what you call it? Unless he gets sick enough to need to see a doctor, just make him feel better, treat with OTC drugs, keep him warm.