Q: My 3-month-old has a complex history and is fussy with a low-grade fever. What tests should we ask for?

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Question: My 3-month-old son has a complicated recent medical history. At two months old, he developed a prolonged fever after his vaccines, which led to the discovery of a large mass under his chin. This turned into an abscess (Staph aureus) and was treated with IV and oral antibiotics. During his hospital stay, a UTI was also found and treated with a different antibiotic.

After three weeks of antibiotics, the mass is much smaller, and he seemed to be doing well, aside from some new GI issues. For the last six days, however, he has been very fussy, feels warm (rectal temp is consistently around 100°F but never above 100.4°F), is eating less, and spits up frequently. We are seeing his pediatrician tomorrow to recheck his urine. Given his history, should we be asking for any other specific tests?

Answer: That's so much for a little baby to handle. It sounds like you're being a great advocate for him, and it's good that you're working so closely with his pediatrician.

When you see them, re-checking the urine is a logical next step to ensure the UTI is fully resolved. It's also completely reasonable to discuss if the fussiness and spitting up could be related to his gut recovering from the long course of antibiotics. Given his history, asking about a basic blood test (like a CBC) to check for inflammation is a fair question, too.

Ultimately, your pediatrician will make the final call on tests and treatments. The most important thing is that you continue to share all of your concerns, just like you are doing. I really hope he starts feeling better soon.

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

https://fevercoach.us