Dktorakam
High fever in 3-year-old child for 48 hours — when should we visit the emergency room?
My daughter has a temperature of 38.8°C that comes down with Paracetamol syrup but goes back up after 5 hours. She is drinking fluids but slightly lethargic.
1 answers
Viral fevers in young children often last 3 to 5 days. It is reassuring that the fever responds to antipyretics and she is staying hydrated. Emergency Red Flags requiring immediate ER evaluation: • Extreme lethargy (difficulty waking up, not making eye contact) • Fast breathing, wheezing, or chest retractions (ribs pulling inward during breathing) • Stiff neck or unexplained purplish rash that does not fade when pressed • Refusing all liquids and no wet diapers for over 8 hours • Fever exceeding 40°C that does not respond to medication Continue alternating fluids and see a pediatrician for ear/throat check if the fever exceeds 72 hours.
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