Peds response to fever

[Anonymous]

DD had a high fever last night (102.7*) and it was managed by Tylenol and Motrin. Had a telehealth appt with the doctor first thing this am bc we also have a newborn in the house (better safe than sorry) and was shocked that the mention of fever/complaint of a headache/chills was enough to suggest a covid test. We’ve been very careful- though impossible to be 100% off the grid - so was just hoping it’s an early infection bc of allergies. Now we are facing the the only option of getting DD a covid test before they will even see her to rule out other things. I’m logically understand but am a mess thinking that she is sick with covid and then that it’s in our house when we have a newborn. Guess I’m not looking for advice just more venting. Fever was gone this am but looks like it’s creeping back this afternoon ... really struggling with all of this right now

[Anonymous]

I know it’s hard having a newborn home. Hugs!

1) 102.7 is not a high fever. Most docs are more worried about the behavior of the child versus the actual number, so don’t panic.
2) medicine takes the fever down, but doesn’t kill the infection, which is why fevers come back. In fact, many believe that bringing down the fever with medicine can make an infection last longer because the heat of the fever helps to burn off the infection. So you may not want to jump for the Motrin. We don’t medicate our kids unless they refuse to drink liquids or can’t sleep at night because they are too uncomfortable. Otherwise we let the fever do it’s thing.
3) you don’t actually need a covid test, but it may be worth to treat it as if it were covid. Keep the sick kid away from the baby. Have one parent deal with the sick kid. Have the sick kid use one bathroom and the rest of the family avoids it (if possible).
4) try not to panic! Most likely everything will be fine

[Anonymous]

Sorry to hear OP. If it were me, I would take my child to get the test. For me, knowing something with certainly vs. being unsure, even if the news is bad, is worth it.

[Anonymous]

And ask peds if they want you to not give Motrin if Covid? Some say Tylenol only.

[Anonymous]

I'm sure it's stressful, especially with a newborn. I'm curious why you think allergies would cause fever, though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm sure it's stressful, especially with a newborn. I'm curious why you think allergies would cause fever, though.

Np: allergies can cause a sinus and/or ear infection, which may trigger a fever.

[Anonymous]

Our pediatrician is testing all kids with fever, pink eye, or GI issues. So I’d expect that.

[Anonymous]

Our pediatrician ordered a COVID test when our 10mo had a fever a few weeks ago. It sucks but I think it’s just going to be part of life for a while.

[Anonymous]

Yep it’s best to test. But 90% of tests in the area come back negative so it is very unlikely she has it.

[Anonymous]

I find this all interesting... my pediatrician wouldn’t do a Covid test when I specially asked for one (also due too a high fever).

Would have been nice to get one, as instead we were told to self-quarantine for 14 days. Thank goodness this is done tomorrow!

[Anonymous]

Don't fret about the COVID test. The whole idea is to get a point where if there's any question whatsoever you should should just get tested right away. As it stands, only about 10% of tests come back positive, so you certainly shouldn't assume being asked to get a tests means there's a good chance of a positive result.

And while I recognize that it is common to be extra nervous about infants, the reality is that infants and small children aren't at particularly high risks for major symptoms/complications with COVID. It might sound backwards, but their immature immune systems seem to be an advantage, since many of the problems (e.g., breathing/congestion) are tied to the immune response.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I find this all interesting... my pediatrician wouldn’t do a Covid test when I specially asked for one (also due too a high fever).

Would have been nice to get one, as instead we were told to self-quarantine for 14 days. Thank goodness this is done tomorrow!

Where are you located? Test kits and (especially) the supplies to collect and process them still aren't widely available everywhere, and some areas may still be rationing tests more than others.

[Anonymous]

OP - Fever because of ear infection not early infection, oops.

Fever just creeped back up to 101+ and still no appetite and very lethargic. Guessing that we will he testing tomorrow at this rate. Hate to put her through that (I just had one when u was admitted for birth and it was downright awful).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP - Fever because of ear infection not early infection, oops.

Fever just creeped back up to 101+ and still no appetite and very lethargic. Guessing that we will he testing tomorrow at this rate. Hate to put her through that (I just had one when u was admitted for birth and it was downright awful).

There are a bunch of different tests available; some are done with spit. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I find this all interesting... my pediatrician wouldn’t do a Covid test when I specially asked for one (also due too a high fever).

Would have been nice to get one, as instead we were told to self-quarantine for 14 days. Thank goodness this is done tomorrow!

Where are you located? Test kits and (especially) the supplies to collect and process them still aren't widely available everywhere, and some areas may still be rationing tests more than others.

I’m in DC and this was two weeks ago. I thought about going to one of the free testing sites, but decided against it as the pediatrician didn’t recommend it.