Q: My 10-month-old baby has the flu and a high fever of 38-39°C that won't drop. Is alternating fever reducers every 2 hours the only option?
- Myeongchan Kim
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
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 10-month-old baby was diagnosed with the flu today. The fever is persistently around 38-39°C and doesn't drop much even after taking fever reducers. Is alternating medications every two hours the only way to handle this? Also, does a flu fever usually last this long? My baby is having a hard time, and the high fever is really scaring me.
Answer:
It is completely understandable that you are very worried about your baby's persistent high fever following a flu diagnosis.
[Check Your Baby's Current Condition]
If any of the following apply, you need to visit an Urgent Care or Emergency Room today for a re-evaluation:
• Breathing difficulties (e.g., the area under the ribs sinks in when breathing, or the nostrils flare).
• No urine output for more than 8 hours, or the lips are extremely dry.
• The baby is extremely lethargic, wants to sleep constantly, and has a weak response when woken up.
• Severe irritability or high-pitched crying that is not just due to the fever.
If your baby does not have the above symptoms, makes eye contact when awake, and is drinking even small amounts of fluids, you can continue to monitor them at home.
[Flu Fever Patterns]
The flu often causes higher fevers (38.5–40°C) than a common cold, and this fever can last for 3 to 5 days. It is very common that fever reducers do not completely bring the temperature down to normal, but rather maintain it around 37.5–38°C. The most important thing to monitor is your baby's overall condition (hydration, breathing, and responsiveness), rather than just the number on the thermometer.
[Guidelines for Using Fever Reducers]
• It is best to stick to one type of fever reducer (acetaminophen or ibuprofen) and use it at the recommended intervals.
• Alternating two different medications is not routinely recommended. However, if you must do it, ensure there is at least a 2 to 3-hour gap between giving the different active ingredients.
• For a 10-month-old, ibuprofen is safe to use. The general dosage is 5–10 mg per kg of body weight, given every 6–8 hours, up to a maximum of 4 times a day. Be sure to check the medication label for the exact concentration (mg/mL) to calculate the right dose for your baby's weight.
• Use fever reducers only when the baby is uncomfortable. Do not give medication every 2 hours simply to eliminate the fever.
[What to Do at Home]
• Dress your baby in a single, light layer of clothing and keep the room temperature comfortable (around 22–24°C).
• Offer small amounts of water, breastmilk, or formula frequently, every 5–10 minutes.
• Do not use lukewarm towel wipes or cold baths, as this can cause shivering and make the baby more uncomfortable.
• If your doctor prescribed an antiviral medication (like Tamiflu), make sure to finish the entire prescription exactly as directed.
[When to Revisit the Doctor]
Please consult your pediatrician or visit an urgent care clinic if:
• The fever lasts for more than 5 days, or drops completely and then spikes again.
• Breathing becomes rapid or wheezy.
• The baby refuses fluids and hasn't urinated for over 8 hours.
• The baby remains lethargic and fails to make eye contact.
Keep a close eye on your baby's hydration and breathing, and don't hesitate to seek in-person medical care if you feel their condition is worsening.
For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.
