Q: My child was diagnosed with Influenza A and got an IV. The fever is back to 38.5°C. Can I give Dexibuprofen now?

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 recently diagnosed with Influenza A and received an IV treatment which finished a few hours ago. However, I just checked their temperature, and it is back up to 38.5°C. Is it safe to give them Dexibuprofen (a fever reducer) right now?

Answer:

It is completely understandable to be worried when your child's fever spikes again after receiving IV treatment for the flu.

First, it is important to know exactly what was administered during the IV treatment. If an IV fever reducer was given alongside the antiviral flu medication, you need to confirm what active ingredient was used. Generally, if it has been more than 6 hours since the IV fever reducer was administered, it is safe to give an oral fever reducer like Dexibuprofen, calculated accurately based on your child's weight. If you are unsure about the exact ingredients or timing of the IV, please contact the clinic that administered the treatment to confirm before giving additional medication.

It is also helpful to understand the typical fever pattern of Influenza A. Even with antiviral treatments, it is very common for a fever to fluctuate and go up and down for 2 to 3 days. A fever returning a few hours after an IV treatment is a normal part of the illness. Remember that fever reducers only temporarily lower the temperature to make the child comfortable; they do not cure the flu itself.

For home care, offer frequent, small sips of water or electrolyte drinks to prevent dehydration. Dress your child in light clothing and keep the room at a comfortably cool temperature. Administer fever reducers only if your child is visibly uncomfortable or in pain, rather than just focusing on the number on the thermometer.

Please seek immediate in-person medical evaluation if your child shows any of the following warning signs:

• Difficulty breathing (e.g., chest retractions where the skin pulls in under the ribs, or flaring nostrils).

• Signs of severe dehydration, such as no urine for over 8 hours or extremely dry lips.

• Extreme lethargy (e.g., they only want to sleep, are difficult to wake up, or are weakly responsive).

• Complaints of chest or severe abdominal pain.

• A fever that lasts for more than 5 days, or a high fever that returns after completely subsiding.

For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.

fevercoach.us

Apple App Store

Google Play

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