Acute Illness

QUESTION:

Dear Dr Dunlop,

My 5 year old son has had a fever on and off for 5 days now. He’s developed a cough, has a runny nose, red watery eyes with some discharge and is very lethargic. He is generally feeling pretty miserable, pale and also off his food. He is still drinking plenty of water though so feel he is staying hydrated.

I’m worried as he’s never had a fever for a prolonged period and being a weekend I can’t get to my local GP. Should I take him to emergency or wait to see a GP tomorrow?

Wondering if would just be a virus or if there is something else going on for him to still be sick 5 days later? We are meant to be travelling overseas on Thursday too and I’m obviously concerned about that also.

Would appreciate any advice you may have for me. Thank you

ANSWER:

Dear M,

Thanks for your question and for visiting Kids Consult.

It's certainly possible for viral illnesses to drag on for up to a week, but I do agree with you that 5 days of fevers is a reasonable length of time.

It would be important for your GP to exclude a secondary bacterial infection - otitis media, tonsillitis, pneumonia for example. It may be that your GP will think it appropriate to do bloods or other tests. I think it fine to see your GP tomorrow.

Regards,

Dr Scott Dunlop
Consultant Paediatrician