Q: My child's fever returned and has lasted 10 days after discharge for Mycoplasma pneumonia. Is it normal for a fever to last 3 weeks in total?
Updated: Sep 7
Medically reviewed by Sang Hyun Ahn, MD
Content edited by Myeongchan Kim, MD
This post is a dramatization of a question and answer session experienced by our actual medical reviewers. Please note that this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
Question:
My child was discharged after being treated for Mycoplasma pneumonia, but they have had a fever of around 38.5°C every morning and evening for the past 10 days. Before being admitted to the hospital, they had a fever for 4 days, and then for 1 day while hospitalized. The fever stopped for 4 days, but then it started spiking again.
Is it normal to have a fever for this long? The fever does go down when I give them fever reducers, but it consistently spikes twice a day (once in the morning and once in the evening). The doctor mentioned it might be a new cold or pneumonia developing again. If I count from the very beginning of the Mycoplasma infection, it has been almost 3 weeks. Is it okay that the fever has lasted this long?
Answer:
It is completely understandable that you are worried about your child's repeated fevers for 10 days after Mycoplasma pneumonia. Dealing with a recurring fever for almost three weeks is undoubtedly exhausting for both you and your child.
Here is an assessment of the current situation:
Slow Recovery: Mycoplasma is a respiratory infection that typically has a slow recovery process.
Need for Re-evaluation: While it is not uncommon for a fever to briefly return after being discharged, a fever persisting for 10 consecutive days definitely requires a medical re-evaluation.
Possible New Infection: The specific pattern of a 38.5°C fever spiking in the morning and evening supports the possibility of a new, secondary infection, just as your doctor suggested.
Current Management at Home:
Fever Reducers: Continue to use fever reducers appropriately when the fever spikes to keep your child comfortable.
Hydration: Ensure your child drinks plenty of fluids, such as warm water or caffeine-free tea, to prevent dehydration.
Humidity: Use a humidifier to maintain a comfortable indoor humidity level of 40-60% to help soothe the respiratory tract.
Symptom Tracking: Keep a daily log of their symptoms, including the exact fever pattern, cough severity, and overall activity levels.
Since your doctor already mentioned the possibility of a new infection, and considering the symptoms have now persisted for three weeks in total, this situation warrants further investigation and potential treatment adjustments. Additional diagnostic tests, such as a follow-up chest X-ray or blood tests, may be necessary to pinpoint the exact cause of the prolonged fever.
Please visit your pediatrician or return to the hospital as soon as possible for an accurate, in-person clinical evaluation.
For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.
