Q: My 8-year-old daughter has had a fever for a week and started vomiting. Should we go to the ER?

Medically reviewed by Sang Hyun Ahn, 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:

Hello. My 8-year-old daughter has been experiencing a fever for a week now.

On Day 1 afternoon, she had a fever of 38.2°C and tested negative for the flu at the ENT clinic. The doctor said the test might be negative because the fever just started and advised us to return if it didn't drop. Fortunately, the fever went down after she took a fever reducer at dawn.

On Days 2 and 3, she had no fever and seemed fine, but her cough was very severe, so we gave her the prescribed Pyrocin tablet.

However, on the morning of Day 4, the fever suddenly returned. We went back to the clinic for another flu test. Over an hour later, they called to say there was a faint line for Influenza B. We returned to the clinic, and she received a Peramivir IV drip. Her chest X-ray was clear at that time.

Since then, she has been getting a fever (around 38.2–38.3°C) at least once a day. The fever drops immediately with medication, but her overall condition is poor, and her cough and runny nose persist.

Today, she vomited twice right after waking up, hasn't been able to eat anything, and is just lying down. She seemed like she was getting better until yesterday, so I don't know how she could suddenly revert like this.

Since we live in a remote area, the nearest hospital open during the holiday is an hour away, and we've been told there is a 1.5-hour wait even if we go. I am at a loss whether I should take her there to get IV fluids today or wait until Friday when the holiday ends to visit a university hospital. Please help.

Answer:

You must be very worried since the fever has lasted for a week and she even vomited today.

🟠 A hospital evaluation is needed today.

If any of the following apply → Please visit the ER or an on-call hospital today, even if it is an hour away:

• No urination for more than 8 hours

• Dry lips and tongue, crying without tears, or severe lethargy

• The area under the ribs pulling in when breathing, or wheezing

• Stiff neck, or a severe headache accompanied by repeated vomiting

• Drowsiness or difficulty waking up

What to do at home right now:

• Give 1-2 teaspoons of water slowly every 5-10 minutes (giving too much at once can trigger vomiting again).

• After vomiting, wait 30 minutes to 1 hour, have her rinse her mouth, and then start with very small amounts of fluids.

• Lay her down with her upper body slightly elevated.

• If the fever makes her uncomfortable, give a fever reducer (Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen, after checking the proper dosage).

Why an evaluation is needed today:

• Having a daily fever until day 7 after receiving the flu IV treatment (Peramivir) + vomiting today → We need to check for secondary bacterial infections (such as otitis media, sinusitis, or pneumonia) or possible dehydration.

• Even though the chest X-ray was clear on Day 4, changes may have occurred since then.

• Her urine output and hydration status need to be evaluated in person, and IV fluids, additional tests, or antibiotics may be considered if necessary.

When it is okay to wait until Friday:

• If she is urinating, can drink water even in small amounts, is alert and responsive when awake, and is breathing comfortably → You can try hydrating her at home from tonight until tomorrow morning, and re-evaluate on Thursday morning.

• However, if you see any of the red flags listed above → Go to the hospital immediately.

What to bring to the hospital:

• Fever records from Day 1 to today (time, temperature, fever reducers taken).

• A list of all prescribed medications.

• The chest X-ray results from Day 4 (if you have them).

If any new symptoms (difficulty breathing, changes in consciousness, stopped urination) appear, call emergency services immediately.

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